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Arcadia and Debenhams: Business Support and Job Retention
02 December 2020
Lead MP
Paul Scully
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyTaxationEmploymentBusiness & TradeLocal Government
Other Contributors: 49
At a Glance
Paul Scully raised concerns about arcadia and debenhams: business support and job retention in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The retail Minister, Paul Scully, addressed recent developments affecting major retailers such as Arcadia and Debenhams. He noted that approximately 13,000 people work for Arcadia while about 12,000 are employed by Debenhams, both of which have been facing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus crisis. Administrators will assess all available options for these companies without immediate redundancies or closure of existing sales channels. The government is working closely with administrators and industry leaders through regular contacts and meetings like the Retail Sector Council.
Scully highlighted several support measures already in place: £7.7 billion from the coronavirus job retention scheme, a 12-month business rates relief worth over £10 billion, cash grants of up to £25,000 for businesses with rateable values between £15,000 and £51,000, more than £50 billion in business loans, and legislation protecting commercial tenants from eviction. He also mentioned plans like the £2 billion Kickstart scheme and doubling frontline work coaches to support job creation.
Scully emphasised ongoing government efforts to ensure safe reopening of non-essential retail and encouraged local authorities to extend shop operating hours before Christmas.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Question
Expressing sympathy for those at risk of losing their jobs due to Arcadia's financial struggles, Miliband asked Scully four specific questions: first, whether Philip Green should be compelled to address pension deficits created by his family's dividend-taking; secondly, if it was a mistake not supporting amendments that would make pension fund holders priority creditors in insolvency cases; thirdly, about providing targeted help for workers at Debenhams and Arcadia facing redundancy; fourthly, whether the government should extend rent evictions moratorium beyond December, increase hospitality business support, and address high street retailers' disadvantage compared to online competitors.
Minister reply
Scully responded by acknowledging the importance of pension schemes and support for those facing redundancy. He highlighted existing robust protection systems like the Pension Protection Fund and ongoing conversations with Debenhams and Arcadia regarding rapid response service offers. On proposed changes to the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill, he explained that it was a matter of balancing various interests. Lastly, Scully underlined the need to support the retail and hospitality sectors through existing measures while encouraging trade and remaining open in all tiers.
Suzanne Webb
Lab
Stourbridge
Question
I am sure the thoughts of the whole House will be with employees of Debenhams and Arcadia, who face huge uncertainty this week, particularly in the run-up to Christmas. These are long-standing bastions of the high street. However, both organisations have been struggling for quite some time; indeed, Debenhams has been in administration since January. While no redundancies have yet been announced, many of my constituents will be affected. Can my hon. Friend assure me that, if the worst were to happen, the Government are ready to support anyone affected, whether through jobcentres or universal credit?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I know her constituents will be concerned about this. We are prepared to step up concentration within Jobcentre Plus. We will make sure there is support for people in finding jobs and for retaining as many jobs as possible on our high streets.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness N & Highland East
Question
I am sure the Minister agrees that there is a great deal of public affection for the Arcadia brands and in particular for Debenhams. While we must hope that redundancies can be avoided wherever possible, this is a sad day for our embattled high streets. All our thoughts are with the thousands of workers, including those in my constituency, many of whom have given years, or even decades, of service in retail, who will be devastated by this news. They must be given all the help they can get to ensure that all their pension rights are retained. Will the Minister ensure that Sir Philip Green’s obligations to pensions are met, and will his Department work with trade unions to make sure that the workers are treated fairly and adequately supported through the process?
Minister reply
The existing commitments made to the Pensions Regulator do indeed need to be kept—it is important to say that. The hon. Gentleman talks about support for employees. If people need financial support quickly, they may be able to claim universal credit and/or employment and support allowance. Our plan for jobs includes a series of measures to protect, support and create jobs, because it is important to get the people affected back into work as soon as possible. We have our £238 million job entry targeted support programme to support that.
Nickie Aiken
Con
Cities of London & Westminster
Question
As my hon. Friend is aware, the Arcadia Group is headquartered in my constituency and its brands, including Debenhams and Topshop, have their flagship stores on Oxford Street. Covid has the potential to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for bricks-and-mortar retailers. The New West End Company and I welcome the continuing support of my hon. Friend and his Department for the retail sector. I note the Government’s announcement this week on extending shopping trading hours for Monday to Saturday until January but, particularly in the short term, an extension of Sunday trading hours would be of huge benefit to retailers. Will my hon. Friend support me, The Sun on Sunday newspaper, retailers such as Marks & Spencer and others who are campaigning to extend Sunday trading?
Minister reply
I look forward to joining the New West End Company and, I assume, my hon. Friend on Saturday to celebrate not only Small Business Saturday but traffic-free shopping in the west end. The west end accounts for 3% of the entire UK economy and many, many jobs. We do not propose to extend Sunday trading at this stage, but we are extending shopping hours throughout the weekdays.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
Question
The collapse of Arcadia and Debenhams are two big examples of the broader challenge of survival in the high street-based retail sector. Every job lost and every store closed is devastating for families and communities across the entire country. The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee has today written to the Secretary of State, and I know we will have full answers in due course, but may I ask the Minister one specific question about support for small businesses in the retail supply chain? I wish to push him a bit further on whether there will be specific support—perhaps a taskforce—for small retail businesses, to help with the hundreds of millions of pounds of orders that could go unpaid.
Minister reply
I cannot give specifics on a taskforce or any other group, but we will look acutely at what we can do for supply chains and the future of the high street. When flagship stores like the 200-odd-year-old Debenhams leave our high streets, it is so important to make sure that we have a co-ordinated response.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Question
My hon. Friend, and the whole House, is concerned about the numbers of jobs potentially lost in the Arcadia Group, but we also have to be concerned about those employed by microbusinesses, perhaps without premises, who have so far not benefited from Government schemes to support them. Will he think again about those who so far have not had Government support and may well be adversely impacted by the news we have heard about Arcadia if they work in the retail supply chain?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend raises a really important point. We have wrapped our arms around the economy, but clearly it is very difficult to do things at pace to cover everybody. We will always make sure that we reflect on what happens, to help as many people as we can and try to fill the cracks as best we can.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Question
I, too, express my sympathies to all those employees of Debenhams and the Arcadia Group who find themselves out of work so close to Christmas and in such an uncertain time. Will the Minister’s Department work with local authorities to support them to offer more flexible rates terms to new businesses that want to come in and set up in the large voids that a lot of town centres will be experiencing in their retail spaces? Those voids affect town centres and communities. What can the Department do to work with local authorities to lower the barriers to new entrants into the retail sector?
Minister reply
There are plenty of things on which we can work together with the sector and, indeed, the whole gamut of British high street businesses, including by talking about getting the rent balance right between landlords and tenants, as well as rates, as the hon. Lady says.
Marco Longhi
Con
Dudley South
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that Dudley Council and other local leaders in my constituency will play an instrumental role in rebuilding and revitalising the high street? Will he confirm that the high streets taskforce will stand ready to provide whatever advice may be needed in this endeavour?
Minister reply
I know that my hon. Friend works tirelessly for his constituency and local economy. It is so important that we get together to look at the high street, because many of these conversations were about what the high street will look like in 10 or 15 years’ time, but now they are about what the high street will look like next year and maybe only the year after.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
The business rate relief for retailers this year has been welcome, but it was obviously not sufficient for Debenhams and Arcadia and all their employees, who will tragically lose their jobs just before Christmas. There is a fundamental unfairness in the fact that Amazon pays only 0.7% of its turnover in business rates and high street retailers pay 2% or more. Last year, the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee suggested that the Government look at bringing in a digital sales tax and use the money to provide long-term business rate relief for retailers on the high street. Given that the Government promised to look at business rate reform in 2015, will they now get on with it and give that certainty of reduced business rates to the high street as a matter of urgency?
Minister reply
That is an important question, and it is exactly why we are doing fundamental business rates reform. The first stage of the consultation has ended, and we will respond in the new year, but we need to have a comprehensive approach to tackle this both online and offline.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
The Risborough basket is an innovative scheme founded by Princes Risborough Town Council in my constituency, with a mission to keep the pound in the town, enabling local shoppers to buy from small independent retailers and have their purchases personally delivered. It is a real boost to those high street businesses, but in setting up the scheme, they have come across a number of regulatory burdens. Will my hon. Friend join me in congratulating everyone who set up the Risborough basket and commit to working with them, so that we can get rid of those regulatory burdens and ensure that such schemes can help high streets up and down the land?
Minister reply
The Risborough basket is one of those brutally simple schemes that are from the grassroots up. It is fantastic to hear about that innovation, and I would love to see what we can do to spread it across the country, never mind working with the council to get rid of some of the burdens in bureaucracy and regulation to help it prosper.
Barry Sheerman
Lab
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Question
Mr Speaker, thank you so much for the opportunity to ask this young Minister to take a message back to No. 10 and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. As someone who worked in retail as a young man, and as a Co-op Member of Parliament, I know about retail. We have a workforce facing redundancy and hardship at Christmas. What we want from this Government is a strategy and leadership, not crocodile tears. A fifth of young people have lost their jobs. With 20,000 jobs, the kickstart programme has hardly touched young people’s lives. Will he get on with it and take that message back to No. 10?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman talks about me being young, which he can do many times over, but as he says, retail is largely staffed by young people and those on comparatively low pay, so there is so much we can do. The strategy comes not just from Government but from working with the sector. The Retail Sector Council can take a long-term view, but we can also work with retailers on the short-term covid response.
Laura Farris
Lab
Barnsley Central
Question
Not many of my constituents will shed a tear for Philip Green, but we should be profoundly concerned about the 25,000 jobs at risk of redundancy. The high street has been under unprecedented pressure. I welcome the remarks that my hon. Friend made about the business rates review, but will he commit this afternoon to an extension of another six to 12 months in which rates are either reduced or reprieved, to give the high street the best chance of recovery?
Minister reply
I know that those in the Treasury will have listened to that, and they are very aware, particularly in relation to retail and hospitality, of the cliff edge that comes when business rates are due to return at the end of April. We will certainly look at that, and an announcement will be forthcoming.
Chris Matheson
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
Question
In 1791, Susannah Towsey, a draper and haberdasher, moved to more commodious premises on Eastgate Street in Chester. She became Susannah Brown, and Browns of Chester still trades today at the retail heart of Chester, as part of Debenhams. As with other retail premises, it has been undermined by dodgy sale and leaseback property deals led by private equity firms, which has not helped the situation. Browns is one of Debenhams’s stores that trades well, at a profit. Will the Minister speak to administrators and support them, so that where there is potential for shops to continue as a going concern, that is explored and supported?
Minister reply
I agree that it is so important that we continue a viable business where it is possible, and I know that the administrators will have that at heart.
Simon Fell
Con
Bury North
Question
The news about Debenhams and Arcadia will cause many concerns as we head into Christmas. Can my hon. Friend reiterate the support that the Government will make available to the employees who face an uncertain future? Further to that, this year alone in Barrow, we have lost M&S and Topshop, so Debenhams will be another heavy blow. What support will the Government provide to offer hope to the high street in future?
Minister reply
In terms of employees, as well as universal credit and access to other support through Jobcentre Plus, we will connect people to jobs in the labour market, help with their employment skills, such as CV writing, interview skills and so on, and identify transferable skills. It is, though, so important that we do more than that for our high streets to create the opportunities for those people to take up, through the future high streets fund and the work that we are doing with the Retail Sector Council and others at every level of government.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
Question
The Minister will be aware that a third of all retail jobs are held by people under the age of 25, and that a huge number of retail workers are women, because it allows flexible working and part-time hours. He will also be aware that many jobs in retail are highly skilled. It is a complete misconception that working in retail is not skilled and that, in years gone by, it was not a job or a profession for life. What specific support will the Minister put in place to offer to young people and to women, who will be more disproportionately affected by this and who have also been more disproportionately affected by the covid pandemic, to ensure that we do not have a lost generation of young people when it comes to finding their first job?
Minister reply
Essentially, it is about creating those jobs and opportunities on the high street to ensure that we can keep retail and expand the offering on our high streets. Clearly, though, we need to ensure that we have that skills transfer work at jobcentre level and elsewhere to encourage our young people to take up those opportunities.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Debenhams in Harrow town centre is an anchor store to the town centre. When Debenhams went into administration, 20 stores across its network were due to close. Fortunately, Harrow was not one of them. However, this has a long-term effect on the entirety of Harrow town centre, so will my hon. Friend—[Inaudible.]
Minister reply
I think my hon. Friend was talking about anchor stores and the effect on the high street. I know him very well, so I can predict his question. Yes, if we take out an anchor store, we hollow out a high street, so it is so important that we look at this holistically, work together with local government, national Government and with retailers themselves to build up our high streets and shape them anew.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Question
Ellesmere Port, like many places, has seen an exodus from the high street over the past decade, which has been accelerated in the past year. Of course, it is no coincidence that, at the same time, online retail is booming, but my constituents do not judge the vibrancy of an area by the number of delivery drivers up their street; they judge it by the number of boarded-up shops in their town centres. Therefore, we need a consistent funded plan for the high street, but, just as importantly, we need a level playing field so that high street shops have a chance of competing. Can the Minister assure us that we will get that?
Minister reply
Indeed, high streets will certainly change, but we need to get the balance right between online and bricks and mortar as well, because both have a really important position to play in our retail offering.
North Cotswolds
Question
In just three towns in my constituency, 27 shops have either closed or are about to close because of the pandemic. Will my hon. Friend commit today to use the Government’s very generous package of measures to retail businesses at all levels of Government—from central Government to local government to local enterprise partnerships—to follow the Prime Minister’s lead to encourage a massive return to the high streets now that we are allowed to do so under the guidance?
Minister reply
It is really important that, as we extend hours for retailers to be able to open up for Christmas, we rip up and peel back on our bureaucracy as well. We must also encourage local authorities to do more such as offering free parking and other such things.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Question
The high street is facing utter devastation in the next few months, unless drastic action is taken. Will the Minister undertake, in conjunction with the Treasury, to discuss a proposal that I put to the Chancellor three months ago? The banks and building societies are currently sitting on almost £200 billion in current accounts and deposit accounts, paying 0% interest. A 1% voucher would release £2 billion to be spent on the high street only, at no cost to the taxpayer, and would bring a benefit equivalent to that which was seen in Jersey in the summer and which hopefully will be seen in Northern Ireland next month, as a similar voucher scheme is going to be discussed and released there.
Minister reply
It is certainly something that I will ask the Treasury to look at and discuss with me.
Question
As my constituency neighbour, my hon. Friend will be aware that many Carshalton and Wallington residents work in Debenhams and Arcadia stores, particularly the flagship store at the St Nicholas Centre in Sutton. Will he join me in meeting the affected workers should the worst happen at that flagship store in Sutton, and reassure them that the Government are doing all they can to support them?
Minister reply
Indeed. As well as being a Minister, I am clearly a constituency MP, and Debenhams is also at the heart of my high street. I will certainly continue to meet constituents affected by this and other issues around the high street.
Question
The Government’s support for business has been unprecedented and unparalleled, particularly in the retail sector. The Minister is right to call it an ecosystem, because it does have a far-reaching effect on the economy. Does he agree that we have seen incredible creativity and resilience in our local communities and on our high streets, including from residents and retailers in Hertford, who have formed the Hertford hub and the Bishop’s Stortford business improvement district; and that, while we should look at business rates and so on, it is working with and supporting those communities that will let the sector create, thrive and survive?
Minister reply
It is so much about a “grassroots up” approach. It is great to hear about the Hertford hub and the Bishop’s Stortford BID. There are some brilliant examples of BIDs and initiatives; I would like to hear more.
Question
Retail trade union, the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, has said that it is seeking urgent meetings with Arcadia’s administrators in a bid to preserve jobs. It is crucial that the voice of staff is heard over the future of business in all circumstances. What reassurance can the Minister give that this request will be met?
Minister reply
Clearly, the administrators will do their work under their own purview, but I encourage them to ensure that they look at the whole issue to keep as many viable jobs going and as many viable parts of the business going as possible, so as not to hollow out our high streets.
Gerald Jones
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Question
This is an awful situation for every high street and retail park across the country, and even more so for the 25,000 people at Arcadia and Debenhams who are at risk of losing their jobs just before Christmas. In outlining what action the Government are taking to support the people affected, will the Minister specifically highlight any discussions that the Government are having with the Welsh Government, so that any support packages from both Governments can be co-ordinated?
Minister reply
Given that these businesses are big brand names, this is clearly an issue for the whole UK. We will continue to work with and listen to the devolved Administrations, and to speak to them about what support we can look at across the UK as a whole.
Question
Hospitality businesses are a vital part of our high streets. They have been restricted and excluded from the Christmas bubble proposals, making planning for next season difficult. Does my hon. Friend agree that we need to consider a longer-term recovery for hospitality businesses by extending the 5% VAT rate?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the difficulties faced by hospitality businesses and expresses his intention to work sympathetically with them, including considering their asks in terms of digitisation and skills training.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
What are the Government doing to put in place a strategic plan for the retail sector, which is facing structural changes due to e-commerce and exacerbated by the pandemic? Include retraining and reskilling into digital roles.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that the Government is working with both online and bricks-and-mortar retailers to address long-term prospects, including digitisation and skills training.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Question
Can my hon. Friend confirm that the £1 billion future high streets fund will be accelerated? Will he join me on a visit to Brierley Hill so I can show him how much our bid will transform the town centre?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees to visit Brierley Hill and confirms that the future high streets fund is an important initiative for tackling issues in retail and town centres. He encourages the MP's bid and looks forward to the results.
Question
Barry, who runs a pub in Blackburn, feels that £1,000 given by the Prime Minister is inadequate. Does the Minister think this sum will really be able to save our pubs and high streets?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the difficulty faced by wet-led pubs but reassures that other payments such as forbearance on rent, moratoriums, business rates relief, and VAT relief on certain areas of food are available. He emphasises the need for support without scapegoating the hospitality sector.
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that the Government must actively work to help the high street recover from coronavirus and also adapt to long-term changes, especially in picturesque town centres like Guildford?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with the sentiment and stresses the importance of maintaining a balance so as not to hollow out town centres such as Guildford.
Warrington North
Question
What specific support will shopping centres like Golden Square get to protect all their retailers, employees, and the vibrancy of our town centres?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the need for balance between landlords and tenants, mentioning moratoriums that help tenants but do not assist landlords. He commits to working closely with the retail sector.
Question
Can my hon. Friend confirm that it will be accelerated? We have a bid in for the future high streets fund and need to hear about it as soon as we can.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that he wishes his hon. Friend every success with their bid, noting an upcoming announcement.
Question
Thinking creatively, what consideration has the Minister given to material Government support specifically for repurposing large retail spaces into smaller start-up units?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges working closely with local authorities on initiatives and encourages any creative suggestions.
Question
What steps is he taking to provide support, advice, and assistance to constituents who worked at Topshop, Burton, and Dorothy Perkins?
Minister reply
The Minister commits to offering support through universal credit, Jobcentre Plus, CV writing workshops, and ensuring the utilisation of transferable skills.
Alex Norris
Lab Co-op
Nottingham North and Kimberley
Question
Beyond reviews and promises of reform in the future, what support is coming now to keep our high streets viable?
Minister reply
The Minister highlights business rates relief, moratoriums, and keeping retail open across all tiers as key measures. He emphasises that customers are crucial for long-term viability.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Question
Would the Minister agree that local authorities should at least ensure there is a level playing field in terms of parking charges, perhaps reconsidering initiatives like free parking?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with his hon. Friend's suggestion, noting that measures like free or cheaper parking can significantly help drive footfall and support high streets.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
Debenhams workers have expressed concern about the performance of administrators. What can the Minister do to ensure that the rights of workers are protected in these situations?
Minister reply
The Minister confirms measures governing administrators, writes to expedite reports, and commits to supporting workers through redundancy phases into good work.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Question
Asks the Minister to continue actively working to help high streets recover from coronavirus and adapt to long-term challenges. Emphasises the need for businesses to pivot.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of shaping change in high streets, allowing businesses to pivot to survive and thrive.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
Offers support to independent shops struggling with online behemoths like Amazon and suggests a postage support plan for those businesses.
Minister reply
Agrees to meet the hon. Lady to discuss the issue, highlighting the impact of big anchor stores on smaller businesses.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
Question
Suggests that the Minister should consider long-term issues facing high street retailers, such as car parking charges and business rates. Invites the Minister to join an all-party parliamentary group meeting.
Minister reply
Agrees to attend the APPG meeting, emphasising the need for a strategic view of long-term changes.
Question
Asks if HMRC’s Crown preference rules had any bearing on Arcadia going into administration and inquires about potential losses to HMRC.
Minister reply
Has not received information or considered the issue.
Question
Encourages people to shop at high street retailers to save them, asking if rights are protected when buying vouchers or shopping online.
Minister reply
Discusses consumer protection measures and encourages the use of credit cards for purchases over £100.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
Raises concerns about business rates and meanwhile use rules affecting Putney high street, suggesting reforms.
Minister reply
Supports innovation through meanwhile use provisions and mentions the fundamental review of business rates.
Question
Proposes legislation to stop asset plundering by company owners, with taxpayers footing the bill and employees losing jobs and pensions.
Minister reply
References existing legislation and regulation to look into directors’ behaviour and expedite reports.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Question
Asks if the Government will cancel plans to cut universal credit, given recent job losses and increased unemployment in Liverpool.
Minister reply
Highlights the increase in universal credit to support people through tough times and commits to creating jobs.
Question
Encourages constituents to shop local on small business Saturday, praising government’s huge programme of support for retailers.
Minister reply
Encourages everyone to shop local to support independent retailers and small businesses.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
Discusses Philip Green's dividend payment, questioning if employees should pay the price for pension deficits.
Minister reply
Notes that the Pensions Regulator has significant powers and will support it in doing its job.
Question
Requests confirmation on future high streets fund decisions, highlighting the fund's importance to Workington town centre.
Minister reply
Commits to making announcements about the stronger towns fund and future high streets fund as soon as possible.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Question
Suggests a need for a level playing field and toughening up of digital services tax to protect city centres from online businesses.
Minister reply
Discusses the fundamental business rates review, emphasising the importance of ensuring fair taxation.
Question
Suggests considering an online sales tax to level the playing field between bricks and mortar and online retailers.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the consideration of an online sales tax but emphasises the need for a fundamental business rates review.
Shadow Comment
Ed Miliband
Shadow Comment
Ed Miliband, the Labour shadow minister, expressed sympathy for those at risk due to job losses but criticised the government's response as inadequate. He asked Scully four specific questions: first, whether Philip Green should be compelled to address pension deficits created by his family's dividend-taking; secondly, if it was a mistake to not support amendments that would make pension fund holders priority creditors in insolvency cases; thirdly, about providing targeted help for workers at Debenhams and Arcadia facing redundancy; fourthly, whether the government should extend rent evictions moratorium beyond December, increase hospitality business support, and address high street retailers' disadvantage compared to online competitors. Miliband argued that while the vaccine news is positive, the government must act urgently on a larger scale to preserve essential businesses and jobs.
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