CBI: Ed Miliband should not characterise businesses as asset strippers

John Cridland, CBI director-general, warns Ed Miliband away from portraying businesses as "asset strippers":

"With growth weak, Ed Miliband is looking for a new business model, but he must be careful not to characterise some businesses as asset strippers. We need businesses to create the wealth and jobs upon which our country's economic recovery will depend.

"Equally, businesses must be responsible. The companies I meet are working tirelessly to create wealth and jobs in extremely tough times.

"Ed Miliband is right to encourage long-termism in business. Responsible businesses are those committed to investing in their workforce and innovative products and services."