The government must prioritise the UK’s economic security, after 10 years of geopolitical shocks have repeatedly damaged growth, says the British Chambers of Commerce.

Businesses in the UK have been left permanently bruised by the Pandemic, Brexit, wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, supply chain chaos and US tariffs.

The business group sets out urgent steps needed to secure vital manufacturing inputs and stop British competitiveness declining in an increasingly unstable world.

It says the Prime Minister must take cross-government responsibility for protecting the UK economy from external crises after years of neglect by successive governments.

The BCC argues that keeping the UK’s position as a major trading nation depends on secure access to key inputs such as energy, steel, semiconductors and growth minerals. Demand for some materials is set to rise massively over the next decade, and domestic production cannot meet future needs.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:

‘Over the past decade, British businesses have weathered some of the toughest economic shocks we’ve faced in the past 100 years. Through sheer resilience and ingenuity, they have kept trading in an increasingly unpredictable global environment.

‘But it’s clear that this is not enough. The UK’s inadequate economic security has become a drag on growth, competitiveness and national strength; yet it is still not given the focus and urgency it demands.

‘The message from business is clear: delay is a luxury the UK can’t afford. The Prime Minister must act now, match the pace of our competitors, and put economic security at the heart of our national growth strategy.’

Internet link: BCC website