Is London's economy on the mend?

The Chancellor on London's economy

BBC London TV News is taking a special look at the state of the capital's economy, in particular the confidence of the business community through this recession.

Watch a wide-ranging 12 minute interview with the Chancellor Alistair Darling.

He tells Riz Lateef about the steps that the government has taken to help businesses in the capital and how London's prosperity is "critically important" for the whole country.

Business confidence

According to a poll carried out by BBC London most of the capital's top business leaders expect to lay off workers over the next year.

However, a significant number also thought the worst of the recession may now be behind us.

Job losses fear for London firms

UK Recession: London

WHAT HAS CAPITALISM EVER DONE FOR US?

Left-wing comedian Mark Steel

Here in a film for BBC London, the comedian and left-wing activist Mark Steel argues that bankers and city workers do work that 'has no discernable value whatsoever.'

Mr Steel also says that, in relation to higher taxes being a disincentive to work, Alexander Fleming would probably still have been 'bothered'' to discover penicillin.

IN DEFENCE OF FREE ENTERPRISE

The former CBI boss Digby Jones

Arguing against Mark Steel, is Lord Digby Jones the former head of the CBI.

Lord Jones insists that it is the wealth created by businesses that pays for our schools and hospitals.

The former Trade Minister says a prosperous City of London benefits the whole of society.

FURTHER REPORTS

Click here to watch further reports and coverage from BBC London's in-depth look at how the recession is affecting the capital's business community.