‘There’s a desire to see steadiness’: Healey sounds pro-business note as he talks up growth

September 4, 2026 - 23:57

The UK's new chancellor has struck a deliberately measured tone ahead of his first Budget, aiming to reassure business leaders while stopping short of making firm promises on taxation. Speaking to the Financial Times, the chancellor emphasized a clear desire for economic stability, saying there is a real appetite among investors and firms for a period of steadiness after years of turbulence.

He positioned himself as a champion of growth, arguing that the government's primary focus must be on expanding the economy rather than simply managing decline. However, when pressed on the possibility of raising taxes on the banking sector, he declined to rule it out entirely, leaving room for maneuver as he finalizes his fiscal plans.

At the same time, he reiterated his commitment to pressing ahead with deregulation of the City of London, a move he believes will unlock investment and reinforce the UK's position as a global financial hub. The combination of a cautious stance on tax and a clear push for lighter regulation appears designed to walk a fine line between fiscal responsibility and private sector confidence.

Observers note that his language marks a shift from the previous administration's more combative style, with an emphasis on partnership with industry rather than confrontation. Whether this approach will translate into concrete policy changes remains to be seen, but the early signals suggest a chancellor keen to project competence and calm.