Home
>
Work
>
In conversation with… Liam Byrne MP

Background

Earlier this month, Whitehouse Communications held an exclusive Q&A session with Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Business and Trade Committee. With Labour unravelling its plans for economic growth and business boosts, Liam Byrne MP discussed government priorities for growth and the UK’s economic strategy with former Labour adviser and Director of Public Affairs at Whitehouse Communications, Max Wilson.

As Chair of the Business and Trade Committee, Liam Byrne MP oversees how the Business and Trade Committee of the House of Commons scrutinises the policy, spending and administration of the Department for Business and Trade and its public bodies. Liam Byrne has built a career in politics since he first got elected as Member of Parliament in 2001, and served notably as Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office and Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions under Ed Miliband’s Labour Party (2010-2015).

Outcome

During this insightful interaction between government and business, Liam gave senior industry stakeholders key insights into his Committee’s priorities, which included:

  • An advance preview of The Business Plan for Growth which dives into the opportunities and challenges the UK currently faces, including on the digital transition and economic prosperity.
  • Insights into the key obstacles holding back business growth in the UK, which include flexibility for apprenticeships, visa management, talent development, and access to finance.
  • A deeper understanding on how the UK needs an ambitious reset with the EU, fast-tracking cooperation agreements and leveraging public procurement to unlock potential. The UK and the EU policy priorities align in most sectors, with AI being a notable exception—where the UK is currently prioritizing flexibility.

It was great to hear Liam’s insights into how the UK government can evolve to support particular sectors looking to grow, particularly around tariffs and export policy. If you want to understand more about how to help your business navigate the Labour Government’s new policies, do get in touch with our UK Public Affairs Director, Max Wilson.