What would a Labour government mean for financial services in the UK?

The Labour government’s vision for the UK’s financial services is to transform it into a robust catalyst for inclusive growth, benefiting various facets of the nation from enhancing public services to fostering community pride, and notably, financing the shift towards a net zero future [1]. This ambition is set against a backdrop of establishing a secure policy landscape conducive for growth, emphasizing the sector’s historical strengths and championing innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term investment while ensuring financial security for all citizens in the UK.

With “Financing Growth” published on 31st January 2024, the Labour Party elaborates on their plan to rejuvenate Britain’s economy through a strategy that is both pro-business and pro-worker, pledging unwavering support for the financial services sector. This policy platform not only aims at reinforcing the UK’s position in financial services and corporate treasury but also prepares it to achieve its ambitious net zero greenhouse gas emissions targets by 2050, setting a precedent for major economies globally.

Policy Shifts and Regulatory Changes

Under the Labour government, significant policy shifts and regulatory changes are poised to reshape the landscape of financial services in the UK. These changes are designed to stimulate business investment, enhance consumer protection, and promote financial stability and innovation within the sector. Key policy shifts and regulatory changes include:

• Taxation and Investment Incentives:
  • Reduction of corporation tax from 33% in 1997 to 28% in 2008 to encourage business investment.
  • Introduction of a National Investment Bank with £250 billion lending power to support British businesses.
  • Proposal of a new tax on bank assets expected to raise £10 billion annually for public services and small business support.
• Support for SMEs and Workers:
  • Launch of the Small Business Service in 2000 to aid SMEs.
  • Introduction and incremental increase of the National Minimum Wage since 1999.
  • Abolition of “zero hours” contracts to ensure a minimum number of hours for employees.
• Regulatory Framework Overhaul:
  • Establishment of a Regulatory Innovation Office to foster accountability and innovation across sectors.
  • Streamlining of the Financial Conduct Authority’s 10,000-page regulatory handbook to reduce regulatory burden.
  • Introduction of the Financial Services Act 2021, creating a new regulatory framework post-Brexit to enhance sector resilience and competitiveness.

These initiatives reflect the Labour government’s commitment to a balanced approach that prioritizes financial stability, consumer protection, and competitiveness, setting the stage for a dynamic and inclusive financial services sector.

Impact on Business Investment and Economic Growth

The tenure of the Labour government has historically been marked by a commitment to fostering economic growth and stability, with a keen focus on enhancing the UK’s position in the global market, especially within the financial services sector. This approach has been instrumental in driving business investment and promoting economic expansion, as evidenced by the average GDP growth rate of 2.5% between 1997 and 2010. The government’s strategy encompassed several key initiatives:

• Public Spending and Infrastructure Development:
  • Significant increase in public spending, particularly in health and education, funded by increased tax revenues and borrowing.
  • Major investments in infrastructure, including the expansion of the London Underground, new schools and hospitals, and broadband internet rollout, aimed at improving the country’s economic foundation.
• International Trade and Investment:
  • Efforts to increase trade and investment with emerging economies, notably China and India, to diversify the UK’s economic partnerships and stimulate growth.
  • The establishment of a new Financial Services Investment Fund to support innovation and growth in the financial services sector, along with measures to increase access to finance for SMEs.
• Green Investments and Job Creation:
  • Plans to invest £28 billion annually in green projects, aiming to boost economic growth, create new jobs, and reduce dependency on global energy markets.
  • The transition to net zero, expected to support up to 2 million jobs by 2030, highlights the government’s commitment to sustainable growth and leveraging the UK’s strong R&D capabilities and skilled workforce.

These initiatives underscore the Labour government’s holistic approach to economic policy, aiming not only to stimulate immediate growth but also to lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity and resilience in the face of global challenges.

Net Zero Transition and Environmental Goals

The financial services sector is positioned at the forefront of the UK’s ambitious transition to net zero, with the Labour government championing a series of strategic investments and regulatory frameworks aimed at fostering sustainable growth. Key initiatives include:

• Green Finance and Investment:
  • Establishment of the Green Finance Institute and introduction of a Green Financing Fund to bolster investments in green infrastructure.
  • Promotion of sustainable investment practices through adherence to the Sustainability Disclosure Requirements and alignment with the International Sustainability Standards Board standards.
• Innovative Green Technologies:
  • Financial services play a pivotal role in enabling the growth and scale-up of green technologies through targeted lending, investment, and insurance solutions.
  • The Labour Party’s commitment to investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency measures further underscores the sector’s integral role in achieving net zero.
• Regulatory and Policy Framework:
  • The Green Finance Strategy aims to increase the flow of investments towards low-carbon projects and technologies, supporting the UK’s broader environmental goals.
  • Targets set by the government include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
  • Protection and enhancement of natural environments, including forests, peatlands, and oceans, are also key components of the UK’s environmental strategy.

These concerted efforts illustrate the Labour government’s holistic approach to leveraging financial services for environmental sustainability, emphasizing the quality and impact of investments over their sheer volume.

Global Competitiveness and Future Initiatives

In the pursuit of enhancing the global competitiveness of the UK’s financial services, the Labour government has delineated a comprehensive strategy focusing on innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration. This strategy is anchored in six policy priorities:

• Delivering Inclusive Growth: Ensuring that the benefits of financial services expansion are equitably distributed across the UK, spotlighting regional financial centres to foster nationwide prosperity.
• Enhancing International Competitiveness: By expanding agreements with international financial centres and promoting best practices in regulatory coordination, the UK aims to solidify its status as a leading global financial hub.
• Reinforcing Consumer Protection: Commitment to maintaining high standards of consumer protection and financial stability remains paramount, safeguarding the interests of UK residents and investors.
• Leading in Sustainable Finance: The Labour government’s initiatives, such as the Green Finance Institute and the Green Financing Fund, underscore the commitment to leveraging financial services for environmental sustainability. The UK’s active participation in international alliances like the Powering Past Coal Alliance and the Green Finance Alliance further exemplifies this commitment.
• Embracing Innovation and Fintech: With plans to advance Open Banking and develop a roadmap for Open Finance, alongside fostering new technologies like AI, the UK is poised to remain at the forefront of financial innovation.
• Reinvigorating Capital Markets: Through strategic investments and fostering an environment conducive to innovation, the government aims to revitalise the UK’s capital markets, ensuring they remain competitive on a global scale.

Moreover, the proposal to create a new Financial Services Skills Taskforce is a testament to the government’s dedication to addressing skill gaps and enhancing workforce capabilities, ensuring the sector’s growth is supported by a skilled and adaptable workforce. This holistic approach, combining policy innovation with strategic international partnerships, sets the stage for a resilient and competitive UK financial services sector, poised for sustainable growth and global leadership.

What could a possible May election hold?

By implementing a series of strategic policy shifts, regulatory reforms, and initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and sustainable growth, the Labour government pledges a reinvigorated financial sector that not only underpins the UK economy but also plays a pivotal role in achieving the ambitious net zero greenhouse gas emissions targets by 2050.

As we look to the future, the implications of the Labour government’s policy framework are vast, signaling a shift towards a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable financial ecosystem. The emphasis on supporting SMEs, enhancing consumer protection, and leading the charge in green finance showcases a multi-faceted approach to economic development.

This holistic strategy not only aims to fortify the UK’s position on the global stage but also to ensure the long-term prosperity and resilience of its financial services sector. Moving forward, it’s clear that continued diligence, innovation, and international collaboration will be key to realizing these ambitious goals, underscoring the significant impact that the Labour government’s initiatives are poised to have on the nation’s economic landscape.