Cameron signs up to Social Enterprise Coalition's charter

David Cameron has become the latest MP to sign the Social Enterprise Coalition's charter, adding his name today to a growing list that includes Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs.

The Social Enterprise Charter calls for MPs and parliamentary candidates to demonstrate their support for social enterprises and sign up to the statement that social enterprises are: transforming the communities we live in; flying the flag for ethical capitalism; and helping to rebuild the UK economy as we emerge from recession.

The Charter is part of the Coalition's 2010 election campaign which includes the manifesto released March 16: No More Business as Usual.

The manifesto calls for social enterprise to triple its contribution to the economy by 2020 and sets out policy recommendations including:

• Support for development of social enterprise models across public sector agencies

• The introduction of legislation to help communities to buy and manage local assets

• A strong and clear package of tax incentives to encourage social investment

• Support for more locally tailored employment practices to build on the work of the Future Jobs Fund

• Routine collection of representative data on the social enterprise movement

Peter Holbrook, chief executive of the Social Enterprise Coalition said: "Social enterprises are at the heart of some of the most important debates that surround this election - public services, the future of business and the way towards a sustainable environment.

"We're pleased by the support offered across all parties and challenge many more MPs and parliamentary candidates to show their support for social enterprise."

Besides Cameron, the other MPs signed up to the charter so far are: Liam Byrne MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury; Philip Hammond MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury; Francis Maude, Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office and Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster; Ian Austin MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government; Minister for the West Midlands; Norman Lamb MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Health; Stephen Williams MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills; and Joe Hall, PPC Luton South (Independent).