Turning opportunity into reality

It was a fun evening because the results of the select committee elections had just been announced, and some of our friends and recent speakers had just become select committee chairs. In particular, our keynote speaker for the evening Chi Onwurah MP became Chair of the Digital, Innovation and Technology Select Committee; Bill Esterson MP became Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee (He popped in to the reception in a celebratory mood); Meg Hiller became Chair of the Treasury Select Committee, and Emily Thornberry became Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. Election of members to select committees happens in October so we can expect them to start operating after that.

We also had two fringe meetings at the Labour conference in Liverpool. As the general media has observed, there was no triumphalism about the recent general election victory but a recognition of the scale of work required to make changes happen. Quite a lot has already been done which should lessen domestic disruption and improve relations with our main trading partners. A firm framework for energy transition is also emerging. These steps will reassure businesses considering expansion, but of course the big event will be the Chancellor's October budget and what it means for investment and taxation.

Our next scheduled event, which many members have requested, is a round table on 'Fixing the skills crisis,' which will be led by the Minister of State for Skills, Jacqui Smith.