Both Labour and the Conservatives are today aiming to woo the business vote.

Tony Blair is seeking to highlight Labour's plans to regenerate Britain's urban centres.

And the deputy prime minister will publish a Labour report on the economic regeneration of big cities.

John Prescott praised the "steady transformation" of urban Britain.

"The credit goes to the people and businesses and authorities that have helped bring it about," he said.

"But it has also happened because of the economic stability delivered by the government."

Meanwhile, the push on economic issues coincides with the publication in the FT of a letter of support from some 63 senior business figures.

The letter congratulates the government for delivering "unprecedented" economic stability and growth.

Michael Howard is also today aiming to woo the business vote, with a pledge to cut red tape and regulation.

The Conservative leader will launch his party's business manifesto at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) annual conference.

There will be new pledges to curb Britain's "blame and claim" culture.

Coinciding with its conference, the BCC is today warning both Labour and the Conservatives they should rule out further tax rises on business.

A survey of the business organisation's members finds 90 per cent think such rises would damage their companies.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Clarke uses an article in today's Guardian to warn that the money is about to run out as with "every Labour government in my lifetime".

"I passed on to [Gordon] Brown the strongest economy and the soundest public finances for a generation," the former chancellor writes.

"Brown will pass on the bills of an unreformed public sector, a growing pension crisis and an increasing tax burden."