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High Street Retailers
05 February 2025
Lead MP
Gregory Campbell
East Londonderry
DUP
Responding Minister
Gareth Thomas
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementEconomyTaxation
Word Count: 4028
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Gregory Campbell raised concerns about high street retailers in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The hon. Member called for innovative solutions to support independent retailers, particularly during prime months like Christmas, suggesting a charging structure to benefit local businesses. He also mentioned the need for Government Ministers to introduce such measures to ensure that some benefit is accrued to local people.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The hon. Member highlighted the significant challenges facing high streets across the UK, citing Mary Portas's prediction that the future of the high street involves 'less retail but better retail.' He emphasised the critical state of high street retailing and warned that without dramatic intervention, the high street as we know it will die.
Adrian Ramsay
Green
Waveney Valley
Asked about the progress on rolling out banking hubs to provide access to banking in rural communities.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
The hon. Member questioned whether more could be done from Stormont regarding rates and support for vulnerable sectors such as retail and hospitality, highlighting the significant economic contribution of high streets in Belfast.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
The hon. Member suggested that opportunities should be provided for more pop-up shops to start businesses in order to enhance the diversity of independent shops on the high street.
Discussed measures to support retailers and highlighted the importance of post offices for local communities.
Gideon Amos
LD
Taunton and Wellington
Suggests changing guidance for high street rental auctions so it can apply to department stores as well. Asked to give way but was not given time due to limited remaining debate duration.
Imogen Walker
Lab
Hamilton and Clyde Valley
Discusses the impact of austerity, Brexit, and SNP's financial mismanagement on Scotland’s town centres, highlighting the need for support from both central and local governments to level the playing field.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Member agreed with his colleague's view and stressed the importance of adaptation, technology, innovation, and a support system for high street retailers to survive.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
The hon. Member proposed collaborations between local councils, small businesses, and other stakeholders to improve town centres through initiatives like paving improvements to attract more people into the town centre. Requested an update on progress towards reforming business rates for retail businesses.
Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Inquired about the impact of VAT levels on retailers in Northern Ireland compared to the Irish Republic.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
The hon. Gentleman mentioned local initiatives such as the 'Living Over The Shops' scheme and redevelopment projects that can support independent retailers in town centres.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
He recommends independent shops and restaurants in his constituency and agrees that support from the Government is needed, but not just more of the same.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
The hon. Member raised concerns about post office closures threatening the vitality of high streets, citing a specific example in Hampstead where the local post office is under threat due to years of under-investment.
Government Response
Gareth Thomas
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Government Response
Apologises for timing issues and acknowledges contributions from MPs. Acknowledges challenges in supporting high streets but notes efforts such as business rates relief for retail sector. Discussed measures to support retailers, including tax roadmaps, back in business rate support scheme, high street rental auctions, and plans to introduce a new business growth service. Mentioned clamping down on retail crime through legislation.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.