The decision to hold a general election came as a massive surprise to many but may be an ideal opportunity to allow each of the parties to set out their priorities both on wider issue of the direction in which the country wants be led in but also specifically on the tone of the Brexit debate, says Ashley Harkus, Managing Partner, Everett Tomlin Lloyd and Pratt Solicitors, Newport Pontypool and Usk

The legal community shares common interests and has similar concerns to most other sectors of society and it is hoped that the result of the election will provide some stability and a mandate for an incoming government to adopt a sensible plan and maintain economic stability.

Any incoming government will need to deal with the external threats and opportunities caused by the decision to leave the European Union and it would be refreshing to see the parties put forward their arguments in a measured and logical way rather than deteriorating into the hysterical and often misleading rhetoric which unfortunately dogged the Brexit debate.

As we enter into a crucial negotiation with Europe there is a great opportunity to reconsider the priorities the country has and to balance the interests of businesses against those of individuals in a way which is fair for all. The question of how that balance is achieved is of course for the electorate.

From a narrower prospective many in the legal community will be relieved about the timing of the decision as it’s prevented the government from bringing forward some of its more controversial legislation. Recent attempts to revenue raise by vastly increasing probate registry fees and to placate the insurance lobby by reducing the ability to take a claim for personal injury have been postponed or possibly cancelled and there may well be an opportunity if there is a new Lord Chancellor for a review of the proposed legislation which has been widely criticised. Similarly additional proposed cuts to legal aid budgets are on hold.

As a business we are of course reliant on the economy being stable to allow us to plan and to grow.

It is hoped that this election will be an opportunity to review ways in which inward investment in Wales can be achieved together with providing an environment where businesses and their workforces can flourish.

The impact of the recent rates revaluation shows how seemingly simple decisions can lead to unintended consequences with relatively small businesses facing vast increases whilst multi national companies enjoy windfalls.

This may be an ideal opportunity to review how tax can be fairly raised from individuals and businesses that are best placed to afford to pay it and to look again at issues of the funding of public services in particular social and health care that have too often been kicked into the long grass.

While people hold widely different views about the manner in which Brexit should be negotiated and the spending priorities any government should have at least an election gives the public a chance to shape the future of the country though the power of the ballot box.