CBI chief calls Labour’s approach to business more ‘command and control than partnership’

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has accused Jeremy Corbyn of offering a "command and control" approach to business rather than partnership after the Labour leader addressed its annual conference earlier today.

CBI director general Carolyn Fairbairn said firms had made an offer to Labour to work with business to create a "truly competitive and fair country".

Corbyn told the conference that his party had enjoyed a "constructive" relationship with the CBI, but Fairbairn appeared to pour cold water on Corbyn's idea of their future relationship.

She said: "From rigid employment rules to blunt public ownership, the Labour approach sounds more command and control, than partnership. This is not the change that is needed.

“Labour and business do share an ambition to tackle inequality, but the way to achieve this is through collaboration based on the belief that enterprise is a force for good.”

During his appearance at the CBI conference, Corbyn recommitted to making firms give up 10 per cent of their shares to workers and also opened the door to a second Brexit referendum if his party couldn't force a general election.

"Labour has always said we respect the result of the referendum, but we cannot respect the shambolic way in which this government has bungled these vital negotiations," he said.

Corbyn said Labour would vote against the government's deal.

"If the government cannot get its central policy through parliament, then we will demand a general election. But if we cannot secure a general election, then we have been clear that all options must remain on the table, including a public vote."

Corbyn has appeared lukewarm to the idea of a second referendum, having previously told German media that Brexit "can't be stopped" – a position that has put him at odds with a number of his own MPs, including shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer, who said any second vote must contain the option to remain in the EU.

While Corbyn suggested Labour's Brexit position was closely aligned with the CBI's due to a mutual preference for a relationship based on membership of a customs union and single market, Fairbairn suggested any backtracking in the negotiations would not be welcomed by businesses which are "desperate to move forwards".

“Firms wants a new relationship based on frictionless trade, services access and a say for the UK over future rules," she said. "This is the real prize.

“The deal currently on the table opens up this potential, and the last thing businesses want is to go backwards. The government’s deal is not perfect, but with four months to go and the potential of no deal looming progress must be made.”