British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and World Leaders Gather for London Conference Amid Business Crisis

The conference brings “more than 200 of the world’s most prominent leaders to London, representing important growth sectors such as technology, life sciences, and manufacturing industries,” the statement added.

“I work every day on five priorities: halving inflation, growing the economy, reducing debt, reducing (medical) waiting lists and stopping the boats (of undocumented migrants arriving by sea in United Kingdom)”, commented Rishi Sunak, quoted in the press release.

The British economy, which continues to recover from the pandemic, is also facing double-digit inflation, soaring costs, and employers are demanding more measures to support activity and growth.

In a letter relayed by the daily Daily Mail, tourism professionals are also asking to reinstate value-added tax-free purchases for tourists in order to support the sector.

Liz Truss’ short-lived stint in Downing Street has also blunted business confidence in the ruling Conservative Party, a confidence that Rishi Sunak is seeking to restore with less than two years to go until the next general election.

“We will continue to trade to make (the United Kingdom) the most favorable country for business and growth in the world”, assured Rishi Sunak.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak under parliamentary investigation

This conference also takes place at a time when the British business world is facing the crisis which is shaking the main employers’ organization of the country, the CBI, targeted by two charges of rape, and other allegations of sexual harassment.

Former CBI chief executive Tony Danker, who is not the subject of the rape charges, was sacked earlier in April for “inappropriate conduct at work”. Three other employees had been suspended.

On Friday, following revelations of a second alleged case of rape, a series of member companies announced their departure from the organization, after the government had previously suspended its collaboration with the CBI.

The latter announced late Friday that it was suspending its political activities until June.

Labor and pensions leader Jonathan Ashworth told the BBC on Sunday that the CBI needed to reform “from top to bottom” because of “profound” issues while other business leaders, such as Andy Wood, brewer boss Adnams, also told the BBC that the organization may not recover from the scandal.