Jones: 'be there' call

Chancellor Gordon Brown and education secretary Charles Clarke are among those set to address next month's CBI conference, it has been announced.

CBI chief Digby Jones has claimed that "everyone who cares about the future of British business" should attend the annual meeting of industry bosses.

Brown will join US treasury secretary John Snow to give his outlook and perspective over on the British and global economy over the next 12 months.

With the collapse of the world trade talks in Cancun, WTO director general Dr Panichpakdi Supachai is also set to address the gathering.

Trade secretary Patricia Hewitt will be joined by South African trade minister Alec Erwin to examine how the talks can be resurrected, the CBI has announced.

Commons leader Peter Hain will also attend the event - discussing the future of Europe with Pat Cox, president of the European parliament.

And education secretary Charles Clarke is set to come face to face with Tory chairman Theresa May for an "on the spot" session.

Culture secretary Tessa Jowell will also address business leaders on the issue of boosting British tourism.

Commenting on the cast-list for the event, Jones said: "Britain has one of the largest economies in the world, but international competition for investment and contracts has never been more intense.

"That is why we must all stay on top of our games - businessmen, politicians and employees alike.

"Everyone who cares about the future of British Business should be there."

The annual conference takes place in Birmingham from November 16 to 18.