British businesses too 'lazy' and 'fat' says international trade secretary Liam Fox
The UK's international trade secretary Liam Fox has slammed corporate culture, saying that UK business is "too lazy and fat" and that executives would rather play golf on Friday afternoons rather than contribute to the economy.
British businesses too 'lazy' and 'fat' says international trade secretarty Liam Fox
Dr Fox, who is responsible for overseeing Britain's place in the global economy following Brexit, made the comments during a drinks reception for Conservative activists in the House of Commons on Friday evening (9 September) according to the Times.
Speaking to attendees at the Conservative Way Forward-organised event, Fox said: "This country is not the free-trading nation it once was. We have become too lazy, and too fat on our successes in previous generations."
"Companies who could be contributing to our national prosperity - but choose not to because it might be too difficult or too time-consuming or because they can't play golf on a Friday afternoon," he continued, "we've got to be saying to them if you want to share in the prosperity of our country you have a duty to contribute to the prosperity of our country."
Fox's own spokesman told the BBC that he remained committed to supporting the full range of businesses in the UK so they could best take advantage of the opportunities presented following the UK's vote to leave the EU, while Downing Street told the broadcaster that the MP was clearly expressing "private views".
Several creative industry groups have been in discussion with the government to discuss post-Brexit business plans, including the Creative Industries Federation which said it has been "incessantly in contact" with Westminster representatives to ensure the sector isn't overlooked in negotiations.