A leading business group has attacked "myths and half-truths" from politicians in a bid to challenge the "cosy Westminster consensus".

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) detailed a number of areas where the rhetoric from politicians doesn't match up to reality.

There was a "growing gap" between the perceptions of businesses and voters and the "metropolitan elite", it was claimed.

The BCC listed a series of areas it said the Government was wrong on business and the economy, including productivity, bank finance, education, exports, energy and infrastructure.

The report says business people "scratch their heads" over claims that the UK has a productivity crisis, and no-one in business believed infrastructure was improving at an adequate rate.

John Longworth, director general of the BCC, said: "Thankfully, in our modern democracy, we can debate the big issues of the day without the need to resort to gunpowder plots or insurrection.

"But the quality of debate in Westminster needs a real shake-up, and so too do some of the lazy assumptions that guide government decisions on business and the economy. That's why we've set out to bust some of the myths that do the rounds amongst politicians, civil servants and the media - and urge action on the big issues still holding businesses back across the UK.

"The myths and half-truths circulating round Westminster should be the first things we throw on the bonfire tonight."