Business Secretary Alok Sharma stepped into his boss Boris Johnson’s shoes to address the business community on Monday. This is the second time in history, the Prime Minister did not show up for the keynote address.
Mr Sharma delivered a long speech covering many aspects, promising to support and involve businesses to rebuild a more robust, greener and high-skilled economy over the next one decade.
In answer to outgoing CBI boss Dame Carolyn Fairbairn's comments that mass unemployment is the greatest threat the economy is facing, Mr Sharma spoke about the success and extension of the furlough scheme.
Known to be a Remainer himself, he also touched upon the subject of Brexit. He said, "...Whether we trade on the same terms as Canada or Australia, I know we will make it a success for British businesses and for the whole country. Because Brexit was always about a better future. About having the freedom to chart our own course. And in doing so, bringing much-needed opportunities as we pursue our destiny as an independent nation.”
He also added that use of rapid coronavirus tests could provide a way out of the crisis as he acknowledged a fully functioning vaccine “may never materialise”.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who took to the stage later criticised the way the government has handled the pandemic.
