Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Coventry IKEA Store Closure

13 February 2020 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Zarah Sultana Your Party Coventry South

EconomyEmploymentTransport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Zarah Sultana raised concerns about coventry ikea store closure in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Zarah Sultana expressed concern over IKEA's closure in Coventry, which threatens 352 jobs and impacts local businesses and students.
  • The MP called for a strategy to maintain thriving city centres and support investment in green industries and public transport.
  • Minister Kwasi Kwarteng acknowledged the concerns and pledged to work with IKEA to support affected employees through reassignment or redeployment opportunities.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Zarah Sultana Your Party Coventry South

Zarah Sultana expressed concern over IKEA’s closure announcement, which will put 352 jobs at risk in Coventry city centre. She highlighted the economic and social impact on local workers, small businesses, and students who rely on the store's café. The MP linked this closure to broader trends of deindustrialisation and the decline of high streets in regions like the midlands and north. Sultana called for a strategy to maintain thriving city centres with secure jobs and emphasised the need for investment in green industries and public transport. She urged the Government to support workers at risk of unemployment, including by reversing decades of cuts to public services.

Other contributors (2)
  • Taiwo Owatemi Your Party Coventry North West

    Agreed that there is an urgent need for a clear strategy to maintain and grow city centres, with secure and well-paid jobs.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Suggested IKEA should prioritise redeployment or training of its staff rather than simply closing the store.

Government Response

Kwasi Kwarteng

Minister Kwasi Kwarteng acknowledged the concerns raised by Zarah Sultana and other MPs about IKEA’s closure in Coventry. He emphasised that the Government will work closely with IKEA to support affected employees, including through reassignment or redeployment opportunities within the company. The Minister discussed the broader challenges facing retail, citing changes brought on by business rates, digital capabilities, and shifting consumer behaviours. He highlighted the £3.6 billion towns fund announced in 2019 as part of efforts to revitalise local economies and high streets. Kwarteng also mentioned the Government’s commitment to green job creation through offshore wind projects and other environmental initiatives. The Minister invited further discussions on how best to encourage retail innovation and support small businesses adapting to market changes.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy