LibDems call for new sustainable economy with small businesses at the forefront

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th Jul 2010

Sarah Ludford recently attended a Westminster reception hosted by the Federation of Small Businesses, at which LibDem Business Secretary Vince Cable was the guest speaker. Sarah, a long time champion of small businesses said:

"Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the real economy of making things and selling services that was so neglected by the Labour government. While the City is important to the UK and to London, we can do without its frothy finance and casino banking that has cost the taxpayer a fortune."

"The coalition government is determined to re-build a sound productive economy following the financial crisis. Boosting smaller businesses and making sure they can get credit and investment will make this country's economy more sustainable in the long term."

"Vince Cable has pledged to take tough action to ensure that UK banks start lending again to small- and medium-sized businesses and to tackle the excessive red tape that affect them. If we give small entrepreneurs the freedom they need, high streets across London and elsewhere will spring into life again."