Callum Anderson, the Labour MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, has highlighted the critical role of the UK's financial sector for families and businesses nationwide. He stated that financial and professional services employ around one in 13 workers across the UK, with the majority of these positions located outside London.
Mr Anderson, who previously worked in finance, led a parliamentary debate last week on the challenges and opportunities facing UK financial services. He advocates for more deliberate encouragement of domestic investment in UK assets, including high-growth companies and infrastructure. He noted that British pension funds and institutional investors have reduced their holdings in UK companies over the past 30 years.
The MP also stressed the importance of the UK leading the next wave of technological innovation in finance, such as artificial intelligence and digital assets, by providing the right regulatory certainty. He also called for continued focus on financial inclusion and investment in skills to support the sector's future success.