'UK politicians must get a grip and solve our problems' - CBI

British politicans should stop concentrating on problems at Westminster and focus on the big issues facing the country, the UK's biggest business lobby said.

Richard Lambert, director general of the CBI employers' body, said: "The time has come for our politicians to get a grip.

"The United Kingdom faces some of the biggest economic, social and environmental challenges of our lifetime ... but instead of focusing on this big picture, politicians appear wholly preoccupied with whats going on within the Westminster village".

"We can either take the bold steps that will be necessary to take us forward to a prosperous but different kind of future. Or we can pretend to ignore the need for change, and risk going down with the ship."

Lambert's call for action comes after prime minister Gordon Brown appeared to escape a leadership crisis, ending days of political uncertainty that shifted media attention away from the economy and towards parliament.