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techUK calls on Conservative leadership candidates to back UK tech

techUK, the trade body for the UK tech industry, has today written to all of the candidates for the Conservative Leadership, calling on them to champion innovation and back the UK’s digital sector.

The letter includes a strong warning against backing a No Deal Brexit, which would have “long lasting and damaging consequences” for tech investment and the UK’s reputation as the European home of tech. It calls on all candidates to be clear about the risks of a No Deal Brexit and to avoid the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

techUK, who represent over 900 tech businesses, collectively employing over 700,000 people, calls on the candidates to support innovative businesses, with greater support for Research and Development and a focus on ensuring access to talent. The industry body states that targeted support to boost R&D spending and drive innovation is more beneficial to cutting edge businesses than across-the-board tax cuts.

The letter also asks all candidates to champion an open and free internet whilst continuing to work with industry to find effective and targeted solutions to issues such as online hate speech and misinformation.

Commenting on the letter, techUK CEO, Julian David, said:

“The next Conservative Party leader will face both short and long term challenges. From the rapidly approaching risk of a No Deal Brexit on 31 October, to the need for the UK to attract the tech talent that will help create the businesses of the future, the digital agenda must sit at the heart of all the candidates’ priorities.

“I hope that the candidates will think imaginatively and constructively about how to ensure that, whatever happens with Brexit, the UK remains the home of tech investment in Europe and reclaims the reputation we have developed over previous years as the best place to start, run and grow a tech business.”

CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP CANDIDATES LETTER (DOCX)

Channel website: http://www.techuk.org/

Original article link: https://www.techuk.org/insights/news/item/15496-techuk-calls-on-conservative-leadership-candidates-to-back-uk-tech

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