Gordon Brown’s party conference speech has been criticised by the Conservative Party for its continued insistence on red tape.
The chancellor’s speech was a rally cry for labour with much of it focusing on the party’s achievements since 1997.
Low inflation and interests rates, the creation of thousands of jobs as well the minimum wage were just some of the domestic achievements that Gordon Brown was all too eager to reiterate.
“We will not rest until enterprise is open to all and where the millions of men and women who want to work will have the right to work in a Britain where there is full employment in every region.” said Brown.
He also officially introduced plans to extend parental leave, giving new fathers the right to 12 months paid leave.
The decision, which is sure to spark controversy amongst the business community, was initially revealed through a leaked document penned by Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt.
Small firms in particular have shown their concern towards a growing tide of red tape regulation, with many believing extended maternity leave would have a detrimental effect on business turn over.
Shadow Chancellor Oliver Letwin was the first to voice his concerns over the impact of Labour policies on free enterprise.
He said, “Under this chancellor, we have seen 15 new regulations issued every working day.
“Britain has dropped from 4th to 15th in the international competitive league table; there have been huge increases in taxation; and we have seen our economy grow as half as fast as those of our English speaking competitors.
“We have half the growth rate of Ireland, and a lower income per head. Savings have collapsed, we have seen a disaster with pensions, and the economy has failed to keep pace with competitor nations.”
