LONDON, Nov 26: British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, faced with domestic political troubles, told business chiefs on Monday that his government would guide the economy through the turmoil gripping financial markets.

Brown took to the floor of the Confederation of British Industry’s annual conference in London for the first time since becoming prime minister in June.

“In difficult times we have been able to and will continue to hold a stable course,” Brown said of Labour’s handling of the economy since winning power in 1997.

“I assure you that we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure that in future we maintain in Britain our hard won stability,” he told conference delegates.

The CBI was this year focusing its conference on taxation reform plans and climate change, amid concerns over global market turmoil.

Brown’s Labour government is under fire over economic policy, particularly the use of taxpayer money to support stricken British lender Northern Rock.

Last week, meanwhile, tax officials admitted the embarrassing loss of personal data for 25 million people when discs went missing in the post.

Brown, who often trumpeted solid economic growth throughout his 10-year tenure as finance minister, added on Monday that governments worldwide must help business adapt to meet the new challenges of the global economy.“The last 12 months have shown that, along with challenge and almost unlimited opportunities, the new global order brings new uncertainties and new insecurities too -- most recently in the form of financial turbulence and credit problems whose origins are clearly international but whose full implications are still unfolding.

“It is precisely because of these new short-term and long-term global challenges that every government in the world has to look afresh at what it can do to support business,” Brown said.

CBI director-general Richard Lambert said that Brown had made a positive impression on delegates in his keynote speech.

“I think that he did pretty well,” Lambert told AFP.

“He talked about issues that companies are concerned about, he talked a little bit about taxes and about skills which are a big area of concern for British businesses.” Lambert added that Brown “spoke longer than he was supposed to, and he seemed to enjoy it.”

On the topic of energy security, Brown revealed that a decision on the construction of new British power stations would be announced at the start of next year.—AFP