Ahead of the country going to the polls on 4th July, Downtown in Business hosted a pre-election dinner on Monday 17th June 2024 to discuss the upcoming election.
Hosted at the fabulous M Restaurant on Threadneedle Street in London, the event brought together a group of business leaders and political analysts from across the country to debate the possible outcomes of the election.
The conversation was led by Jo Phillips, former advisor to Paddy Ashdown and Joni Smith, Director, Global Political Engagement at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
Several topics discussed on the evening included the disillusionment of a demographic of voters with no political leaders that they can relate too, what the next government needs to do to win over the country and climate change amongst other subjects.
In an interesting speech, Joni Smith described how after fourteen years of Conservative rule, the country is now ready for a change and there seems to be little that the Tories can do to change public opinion.
Joni also highlighted how it is important for the UK to have political party’s keeping towards the centre ground, how we need open and honest politicians and what she believes at the key issues that politicians need to discuss during this election campaign.
Jo Phillips remarked how people are currently fed up with the current government, but people must ensure they use their vote to make their point heard.
Responding to a comment from Maggie Grogan, MD – Midlands at Muse, about how a demographic of voters feel they do not have a political home anymore, Jo pointed out that using their vote to voice their frustration is better than staying at home and not voting at all.
Frank McKenna, CEO and Group Chair of Downtown in Business commented; “It was fantastic to host this special pre-election dinner with a host of business and political leaders in London.
There was a really lively discussion and debate within the room, that shows how people of opposing political views can still have grown up conversations about what they think is best for the country.
I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to join us and a big thank you to M Restaurant for their amazing hospitality.
I would finally remind everyone to make sure you go out and vote on Thursday 4th July 2024.”
Who was in the room:
Causeway Technologies, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Moore Media, Urban Communications, DB3 Group, Muse, Liverpool BID Company, Halton Council, Bruntwood SciTech, Laing O’Rourke, House of Wisdom, SEC Newgate
For more information about upcoming event visit https://downtowninbusiness.com/events/
For further information on Downtown in Business and how you can join email chris.mckenna@downtowninbusiness.com
