Attorney General encourages businesses in Gloucestershire to continue to generate growth and new jobs

The Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP, Attorney General for England and Wales, called on Gloucestershire businesses to continue to understand and support the Government as it seeks to strengthen the national economy and reduce borrowing, during a recent visit to the county on Friday 4th April, hosted by leading law firm, Harrison Clark Rickerbys.

The Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP, Attorney General for England and Wales, called on Gloucestershire businesses to continue to understand and support the Government as it seeks to strengthen the national economy and reduce borrowing, during a recent visit to the county on Friday 4^th April, hosted by leading law firm, Harrison Clark Rickerbys.

Dominic Grieve QC MP was welcomed to the firm's Cheltenham office by Harrison Clark Rickerbys' head of Commercial Property, partner Mark Fabian. During his talk to the assembled guests, which was chaired by Alex Chalk, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Cheltenham, he provided an illuminating insight into his day to day work-load as Attorney General and covered a number of topical issues before engaging the audience in a lively question and answer session.

A key message emerging from Dominic Grieve's talk was for businesses to continue to generate growth and new jobs by working hard, being innovative, expanding existing businesses and seeking new markets and niches in the private sector.

With regard to the European Union, Mr Grieve clearly understood some of the difficulties and downsides of being part of the EU but advised that leaving the EU may not be the panacea that some would imagine as such a decision would, itself, have far reaching consequences.

Dominic Grieve further commented; “This Government has begun to tackle the financial crisis it inherited; but no Government can do this successfully alone.  The community must also rise to the challenge and I am heartened to hear how the business sector of Cheltenham is doing just that”.

Those attending were from a wide range of businesses and institutions, including representatives from the University of Birmingham, private equity and finance houses, banks, manufacturers, retailers, business consultancy and skills development.

Of particular debate during the evening was immigration, in which Dominic Grieve defended the government's position, stating that immigration policy was designed to encourage overseas talent to our shores, rather than to support those seeking to live off the UK's benefits system.

Of his visit, Dominic Grieve said, "I was pleased to have the opportunity to tune in to the thoughts of Gloucestershire business leaders. I found the discussion stimulating and very helpful”.

Mark Fabian, partner, Harrison Clark Rickerbys, said "We were delighted to be chosen as the Gloucestershire law firm to host Dominic Grieve's visit, and see it as a great endorsement of the firm's standing in the local area. It was good to be able to provide a platform for so many local business leaders to have the opportunity to address fundamental governmental issues with the Attorney General."

The role of Attorney General is that of a Law Officer of the Crown and the incumbent serves as the chief legal adviser of the Crown and its government in England and Wales. Although the position has existed since at least 1243, the role has inevitably evolved and the advice provided by the Attorney General has shifted away from litigation towards more general legal advice.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys is a full service law firm with 350 staff operating from offices in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Berkshire and with serviced offices in Birmingham and London.

Dominic Grieve QC MP left the firm following the early evening gathering to attend a dinner in Tewkesbury.