Sunak to meet business leaders on Friday to discuss trade issues - report

Prime minister Rishi Sunak will reportedly hold talks on Friday with executives from some of the world’s biggest companies as he seeks fresh ideas to boost Britain’s economic prospects.

According to Sky News, Sunak will attend a meeting of the UK Investment Council, which counts executives from Airbus, HSBC, the 3 UK owner Hutchison Whampoa, Nestle and Nissan among its members.

According to a copy of the agenda seen by Sky News, the discussions - which will be chaired by investment minister Lord Johnson - will focus on "how business and government [can] work together to encourage growth in the current economic climate".

It will also examine "what specific approaches would help retain existing investors, as well as attract more investment deals and new investors to the UK".

A source told Sky that Sunak is likely to participate in the meeting remotely, while chancellor Jeremy Hunt may also attend.