BHS

Raises concerns about taxpayer liability, potential criminal investigations into Sir Philip Green’s actions before insolvency, and the fairness of pension payouts through the Pension Protection Fund. Questions the adequacy of government support for the high street.

Reaffirms that investigations are ongoing without naming individuals and emphasises the seriousness with which any misconduct will be treated if found by these investigations. Defends against accusations of complicity in a system favouring wealth extraction.

Emphasises that while legal, actions such as asset stripping can still be morally reprehensible. Calls for Philip Green to repay enough to prevent pension losses for affected employees.

Welcomed the Minister's comments on pursuing wrongdoers, highlighted the impact of BHS closure in Scotland, emphasised concerns over Sir Philip Green’s actions and called for robust action against unscrupulous practices. Raised questions about UK Government’s plans to mirror PACE initiative, addressing ease with which businesses can be denuded of assets, and whether pensions regulator should seek full deficit from Sir Philip Green.

Responded positively to Roger Mullin's comments on Kirkcaldy. Acknowledged concerns over ethics and greed but emphasised the need for investigations before taking action. Agreed with Richard Fuller about damage to business reputation and reiterated commitment to addressing BHS issues without rushing to judgement.

Expressed concerns over the ethical judgments made by people in authority at Arcadia and British Home Stores, highlighting potential collateral damage to business reputation due to actions of individuals involved.

Critiqued evidence given by Lord Grabiner regarding corporate governance in BHS, raising questions about the involvement of Financial Reporting Council and the need for altering its remit to ensure directors' accountability.

Asked if owners must assess the viability and character of purchasers or be responsible for business conduct post-sale, highlighting legal complexities involved in such requirements.

Raised concerns about the impact of BHS closure on high street and employees' future. Asked what would be done to address constituents’ concerns and call previous/current owners/directors accountable for any role in downfall of BHS.

Suggested that wider lessons might need to be drawn on corporate governance of large private companies, both in decision-making processes and transparency. Recommended looking into governance arrangements beyond listed companies.

Expressed anger at the threat posed by BHS closure to jobs and pensions. Questioned whether current firm handling break-up of empire is acting in best interests, and requested further consideration on whistle-blowing regarding company breakup.

Welcomed Minister’s statement but highlighted issues with companies in supply chain like Courtaulds in her constituency. Requested investigation into potential wrongdoing and commended rapid reaction of Government to BHS redundancies.

Expressed concern over the impact of BHS closure on workers and supply chains, such as Courtaulds. Emphasised the seriousness of the matter and offered to meet constituents for further discussion.

Called for robust measures from the pensions regulator and advocated for stronger regulations in the proposed pensions Bill to prevent pension scheme failures and protect workers and pensioners.

Welcomed ongoing investigations and encouraged the Minister to focus on diversifying high streets, not just retail but also commercial, leisure, and residential activities to counteract trends in online trading.

Agreed with the need for high street diversification and recommended looking at Bill Grimsey's report commissioned by Labour for forward-looking advice on revitalizing town centres.

Raised concerns about Jobcentre Plus's capacity to monitor long-term vacancies and identify skills gaps, suggesting that such monitoring should be a routine measure to help create opportunities.

Suggested revisiting the principle of caveat emptor in cases where sellers recklessly sell businesses to unsuitable buyers who cannot meet creditors' demands, highlighting Philip Green and Lord Grabiner's roles.

Asked the Minister about timelines for investigations and the possibility of saving BHS stores as going concerns. Highlighted local examples where stores were performing well.

Called on the Minister to reassure that Jobcentre Plus's rapid response service would receive all necessary support from her and the Government to help affected BHS employees.

Asked for clarity on what 'open and transparent' meant in relation to investigations, seeking assurance that information would be as accessible as possible for those affected across the country.

Highlighted the importance of Jobcentre Plus's rapid response service in helping BHS staff find new employment. Also noted the potential benefits from business rates cuts for small businesses to boost retail health.

Called on the Minister to look at lessons learned from BHS and Austin Reed failures, suggesting a need for a retail strategy working with businesses to avoid high streets becoming dominated by payday lenders and betting shops.

We started a great deal of work on the future of the high street, involving organisations like Mary Portas and others for ideas. This was mainly done through BIS and DCLG to help local government ensure that high streets develop in the right way, thrive and grow. We changed planning laws to encourage radical thinking about the future of high streets.

Given 11,000 direct jobs and many indirect supply chain jobs are at risk, it is difficult to understand why the Minister has not had a meeting with the administrator. The Denton store in my constituency and the Stockport store tell me they are profitable parts of the BHS business; thus, a discussion about saving these parts of the business should be prioritised.

Responding to Andrew Gwynne, Anna Soubry stated that the situation where administrators could not find a buyer was only recently announced. She clarified there is no government interference in this process and expressed willingness to contact the administrators if it would be beneficial.

This is not good enough, with 11,000 people facing redundancy and an uncertain pension while millionaires benefit financially. The Minister should agree to revoke Sir Philip's knighthood if he is found unfit for such honours.