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26/04/2010
Firms Fear Hung Parliament
Nearly two thirds of British companies are "concerned" about the impact of a hung parliament, a study has revealed.
According to the new survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) 65% of those polled were either "concerned" or "very concerned" about a hung parliament.
The results add to growing unease about the prospect of a hung parliament and what it might mean for decision-making. The results also follow concerns expressed by leading investment funds last week, who believe the lack of a clear mandate to govern could affect decisive action being taken to cut the UK's huge budget deficit.
Some 13% of firms thought that a hung parliament outcome would be "a good thing", but the BCC said businesses were right to be wary.
The study also found most believed VAT would increase after the election.
David Frost, director-general of the BCC, said: "Instinctively, companies prefer a clear mandate to lead and govern.
"With our economy still fragile and the public finances in a dire state, the overwhelming concern is whether a hung Parliament will provide decisive action around the UK's unsustainable deficit.
"Whatever the outcome of the election, whether we have a coalition government or not, we must see a credible plan to reduce the deficit and restore confidence within 90 days."
Labour say they are fighting for a majority government, which would cut the deficit while protecting front-line services.
Meanwhile the Liberal Democrats say they would be the guarantors of financial stability, whatever the outcome of the election.
(LB/GK)
According to the new survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) 65% of those polled were either "concerned" or "very concerned" about a hung parliament.
The results add to growing unease about the prospect of a hung parliament and what it might mean for decision-making. The results also follow concerns expressed by leading investment funds last week, who believe the lack of a clear mandate to govern could affect decisive action being taken to cut the UK's huge budget deficit.
Some 13% of firms thought that a hung parliament outcome would be "a good thing", but the BCC said businesses were right to be wary.
The study also found most believed VAT would increase after the election.
David Frost, director-general of the BCC, said: "Instinctively, companies prefer a clear mandate to lead and govern.
"With our economy still fragile and the public finances in a dire state, the overwhelming concern is whether a hung Parliament will provide decisive action around the UK's unsustainable deficit.
"Whatever the outcome of the election, whether we have a coalition government or not, we must see a credible plan to reduce the deficit and restore confidence within 90 days."
Labour say they are fighting for a majority government, which would cut the deficit while protecting front-line services.
Meanwhile the Liberal Democrats say they would be the guarantors of financial stability, whatever the outcome of the election.
(LB/GK)
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05 May 2010
UK Election On Home Straight
The final day of the UK General election is nearly upon us with the three main parties battling for votes. With polls still indicating that Britain is on course for a hung parliament, David Cameron pledged to go "all out" for a convincing Tory victory as he embarked on a gruelling final push to convince undecided voters.
UK Election On Home Straight
The final day of the UK General election is nearly upon us with the three main parties battling for votes. With polls still indicating that Britain is on course for a hung parliament, David Cameron pledged to go "all out" for a convincing Tory victory as he embarked on a gruelling final push to convince undecided voters.
07 May 2010
UK Faces Hung Parliament
The majority of votes are in for the UK general election and predictions show that Britain faces its first hung parliament since 1974. With the votes that have already been accounted for it is apparent that the Tories will be the largest party and Labour can no longer win a majority.
UK Faces Hung Parliament
The majority of votes are in for the UK general election and predictions show that Britain faces its first hung parliament since 1974. With the votes that have already been accounted for it is apparent that the Tories will be the largest party and Labour can no longer win a majority.
02 November 2009
Hung Parliament 'Very Likely': Heseltine
A hung parliament at the next general election is "very likely", a senior Tory has said. Lord Heseltine, a former deputy prime minister, said David Cameron's Conservatives would need the largest electoral swing, "with two exceptions, since the war" to gain a majority in the Commons.
Hung Parliament 'Very Likely': Heseltine
A hung parliament at the next general election is "very likely", a senior Tory has said. Lord Heseltine, a former deputy prime minister, said David Cameron's Conservatives would need the largest electoral swing, "with two exceptions, since the war" to gain a majority in the Commons.
20 April 2010
Who Can Offer Change? The Lib/Lab Debate Continues
A continuing Lib Dem surge has saw political parties in a constant battle over who can offer voters "change". Nick Clegg today insisted only the Liberal Democrats can truly shake up Britain as he tussled with the Tories over the change agenda.
Who Can Offer Change? The Lib/Lab Debate Continues
A continuing Lib Dem surge has saw political parties in a constant battle over who can offer voters "change". Nick Clegg today insisted only the Liberal Democrats can truly shake up Britain as he tussled with the Tories over the change agenda.
21 April 2010
Clegg Says 'Brown Is Desperate Man'
Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg has said that he might find it difficult to strike up a deal with Gordon Brown in the event of a hung parliament. Clegg called Mr Brown a "desperate man" in his most outspoken attack yet and said the Liberal Democrats would not help him stay on as a "squatter in Downing Street".
Clegg Says 'Brown Is Desperate Man'
Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg has said that he might find it difficult to strike up a deal with Gordon Brown in the event of a hung parliament. Clegg called Mr Brown a "desperate man" in his most outspoken attack yet and said the Liberal Democrats would not help him stay on as a "squatter in Downing Street".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
