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Co-operative Sector: Government Support
21 October 2025
Lead MP
Jim McMahon
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Lab/Co-op
Responding Minister
Mark Ferguson
Tags
Employment
Word Count: 15156
Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
Jim McMahon raised concerns about co-operative sector: government support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government must create an environment that enables co-operatives to thrive by making them mainstream choices for new businesses and not just a sideline.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The roots of the co-operative movement run deep back to 1844 with the Rochdale pioneers. Today there are 7,400 co-operatives in Britain, with 16.6 million members and 240,000 employees working hard in their communities. Despite this thriving sector, the UK now lags behind other countries.
Alex Sobel
Green
Leeds Central and Headingley
Highlighted new forms of co-operative support available in his constituency.
Alice Macdonald
Lab/Co-op
Norwich North
The Co-operative party has been the bedrock of community-driven enterprise for over 100 years. Co-operatives are twice as likely to survive their first five years compared with other business models, making economic sense and enriching our economy. Discussed the breadth of the co-operative sector and opportunities presented by devolution.
Andrew Pakes
Lab
Peterborough
Reflects on the long history of co-operative banking in Peterborough and highlights the importance of supporting co-operatives to ensure they can continue to thrive. He acknowledges the role of social enterprises in rebuilding pride and opportunity. Talked about the purpose-driven economy and inclusive growth supported by co-operative principles.
Jack Abbott
Lab/Co-op
Ipswich
Discussed the importance of co-operatives in Ipswich, noting their long history and current efforts to revitalise the town centre through community ownership and local decision-making. Emphasized the role of community in shaping town development, welcoming support for local initiatives.
Jayne Kirkham
Lab/Co-op
Truro and Falmouth
Asked a question but was not given way.
Jim McMahon
Lab
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Secured the debate to discuss the importance of the co-operative sector.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Member highlighted the importance of co-operatives in Northern Ireland, citing examples from his constituency such as Newtownards credit union and Portaferry Cohousing. He emphasized the role of co-operatives in providing opportunity to those who might not have access otherwise. Expressed appreciation for the co-operative sector's importance to Northern Ireland.
Jo Platt
Lab/Co-op
Leigh and Atherton
Emphasises the importance of social enterprise and collective ownership, highlighting examples from Leigh and Atherton where community-driven initiatives are thriving. She supports the Government's progress in revitalising high streets but stresses the need for local leadership. Gave examples of local leadership in supporting co-operatives, including Leigh Spinners Mill.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Agrees that the co-operative movement can be innovative for local communities, giving an example of a constituent's problem with electric vehicle charging in flats. Highlighted how co-operative principles can address contemporary challenges, mentioning Hengistbury Head Outdoors.
Josh Newbury
Lab
Cannock Chase
Congratulated the Member for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton on securing the debate and praised his knowledge of the co-operative sector. Emphasises the importance of local working men’s clubs and the role of co-ops in empowering small producers. Asks the Government to consider co-op models in sectors like social care, special educational needs, housing, and local government reorganisation. Stressed the importance of social clubs and their ongoing relevance to modern communities.
Liam Conlon
Lab
Beckenham and Penge
The Co-operative movement is a pillar of ethical business in Britain, providing good jobs and affordable food while reinvesting in local causes. Discussed the importance of community housing in supporting local communities.
Mark Ferguson
Lab
Gateshead Central and Whickham
Acknowledged the importance of the co-operative movement and highlighted Government commitments to support its growth. Acknowledged the history and principles of co-operatives, noted Government measures like an industry-led business council and funding for Law Commission reviews, and discussed cross-Government efforts to support the sector's growth.
Mark Garnier
Con
Wyre Forest
Acknowledges the importance of the co-operative sector, noting its growth to over 10,000 organisations in the UK and a combined annual income of £179 billion. Emphasises the need for balance between mutualisation and investment in equity markets.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Oldham West and Royton
The Labour party has agreed to double the size of the co-operative economy and every part of Government needs to get stuck into achieving that goal. Spoke about the Metro Moneywise credit union, continuing the legacy of the Rochdale pioneers. Noted the importance of co-operatives, highlighting that four original Rochdale pioneers were from his area and emphasized that co-operative start-ups are twice as likely to survive beyond five years.
Rachel Blake
Lab/Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
Acknowledges the long-standing contributions of Jim McMahon to the Co-operative movement and thanks Joe Fortune for his leadership. The speaker appreciates the growth within the Co-op party, doubling in recent years. Responded to a question about the possibility of mutualising Thames Water, clarifying it is not within her gift. Described co-operators as 'doers' who contribute significantly to their communities, highlighting community power work.
Sarah Olney
LD
Richmond Park
Liberal Democrats support empowering individuals to engage in decisions impacting their lives, including co-operatives. Co-operative enterprises offer fairer workplaces and are more likely to be living wage employers. Noted the higher likelihood of women leading co-operatives compared to FTSE 100 companies.
Tom Hayes
Con
Bournemouth East
Referenced the history of the cooperative movement and called for local investment in cooperative businesses.
Government Response
Mark Ferguson
Government Response
Acknowledged support for the co-operative sector and discussed Government commitments, including doubling the size of the mutuals sector by 2035. The current annual income of over 10,000 mutual and co-operative businesses in the UK is £179.2 billion. Stressed the importance of co-operatives in Britain's economy, highlighted Government measures to support their growth including establishing an industry-led council, funding Law Commission reviews, and cross-Government efforts. Emphasised the ambition to double the sector size through a supportive regulatory environment.
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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.