The Public Accounts Committee is outspoken and hyperactive. It has a long list of current inquiries including the interface between health and social care, Universal Credit, the Brexit financial settlement, the performance of HMRC, the collapse of Carillion and many more. Come and hear Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the committee outline and discuss the most urgent issues.

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At the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, Scotland voted to remain in the UK against the policy of the ruling SNP party. At the 2016 EU referendum, in which the UK as a whole voted to leave the EU, Scotland voted to remain. Although the UK is Scotland’s largest trade partner, Scotland has important trade and cultural links with mainland Europe. Post Brexit, Scotland not only faces the trade upheaval and uncertainty that applies to the whole UK but also a tug of loyalties between the UK and the EU. Stewart Hosie MP, the Shadow SNP Spokesperson for Trade and a member of the Treasury Select Committee will outline and discuss SNP thinking on these issues.

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The prosperity of the modern world has been built on innovation and trade. Whatever happens about Brexit, it is certain that the UK will need to compete and innovate as never before. None of the leading world economic powers leaves their industrial success to plain vanilla financial and economic policies. The UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has the role of leading the government’s actions to help bring together, at a sectorial level, research, innovation, and investment, and create an environment of success. Rebecca Long Bailey MP will discuss her views on making BEIS a fleet-footed partner of business and academia to create a modern Innovation State.

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Whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations with the EU, and within the Westminster political parties, the mainland countries of Europe will forever remain the closest neighbours of the UK. It is thus in the overwhelming interest of all concerned that our future mutual relationships should be as cooperative and fruitful as possible. Our expert panel of speakers from across the political spectrum will review the post-party conference situation and give their views on the policies and actions now needed for a good long-term relationship with the rest of Europe.

Speakers for this event:

Catherine West MP

Allison Roche, UNISON

Lord Dykes

Dr Phillip Lee MP

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Small and medium sized enterprises have a low profile but a vital role in the UK economy providing employment, training, innovation and flexibility in times of change. Their health and vitality will be essential during the challenging Brexit transition and this means that they will need all the help a government can provide in terms of physical and digital infrastructure as well as a financial environment in which market disruptions can be weathered. The Labour party has outlined a number of relevant policies including investment plans and the establishment of a national investment bank. Bill Esterson MP, the Shadow Minister for Small Business will lead a discussion on these proposals and what more needs to be done.

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The party conferences promise to be exceptionally interesting this year. At Labour’s Liverpool conference, the Industry Forum will be co-hosting, with Labour Business and FleishmanHillard Fisburn, a business reception for the Shadow Treasury and BEIS teams. Should be a great chance to meet the shadow ministers and catch up on the latest Labour thinking on key topics affecting the business community.

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