Tech firms urge Tory leadership candidates to back UK’s digital sector
Tech firms have issued a desperate plea to candidates in the Tory leadership race, urging them to avoid a no-deal Brexit and back the UK’s booming digital sector.
Tech UK, which represents more than 900 businesses, has written to the candidates warning of “long-lasting and damaging consequences” of a no-deal Brexit for tech investment and the UK’s reputation as a European tech hub.
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The industry body called on the contenders to support the UK’s booming digital sector, with greater support for research and development and a focus on ensuring access to talent.
“Tech UK urges all candidates to be clear about the very significant risks associated with a no-deal Brexit and to seek to avoid such an outcome,” wrote chief executive Julian David.
The letter highlighted the importance of skills and talent to the growing sector, and said the future prime minister must have the “political courage” to make a case for high-skilled immigration.
Tech UK welcomed the government’s targets for launching new 5G and full-fibre broadband networks.
But it warned the new prime minister will need to tackle any barriers that delay the rollout and must ensure no areas, particularly rural communities, are left behind.
The UK has cemented its reputation as a tech hub over recent months and is now the world’s top location for fintech firms, according to a report published by startup body Tech Nation.
But ongoing uncertainty around Brexit and the government’s future immigration policy has sparked concerns Britain could lose its title as a world-leading digital economy.
“We hope that you will use the opportunity of the contest to consider how to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of the next wave of digital innovation enabling tech businesses to start-up, scale-up and succeed in the UK,” David wrote.
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In a pointed reference to the government’s plans for new regulation of digital companies, Tech UK urged the Tory contenders to champion an “open, secure and responsible” online world.
“Tech UK believes it is important that Conservative leadership candidates continue to seek solutions that are specific, targeted and effective whilst protecting fundamental rights and freedoms and ensuring the continued flourishing of free and open internet.”