Growing population requires debate about additional infrastructure

Reacting to the Prime Minister's comments on population and immigration today, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“With the population set to grow by over 10 million in the next 25 years, the focus should not simply be about migration levels. There needs to be active political debate about the additional infrastructure that will be needed to accommodate this population growth.

“It can take decades to get major infrastructure projects built in this country, and with the population set to increase by over 400,000 per year, it is vital that there is a plan for where new infrastructure is needed and how it will be financed.”

Mr Frost added, “To get out of recession and create much needed jobs, this country will need to attract foreign investment. We must not put out a message to the rest of the world that highly skilled employees from abroad will find it difficult to work here. If we do this, investment will simply go to our competitors.”

Ends

Media Contact:

Sam Turvey
Tel: 020 7654 5813
Email: s.turvey@britishchambers.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

The BCC is establishing a Business Infrastructure Commission, which will be launched before the end of 2009. Working with local Chambers of Commerce, we are campaigning for the political parties to commit to invest in our vital business infrastructure.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the National Voice of Local Business.
The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.