Lucy Powell MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Business and Consumers, commenting on latest retail figures, said:

“Whilst these figures are encouraging overall it’s clear that large parts of the high street are really struggling, threatening jobs and livelihoods.

“That’s why Labour is calling on Ministers to launch a new £1.7 billion fightback fund to protect businesses and jobs in hospitality and on the high street, by giving local areas more flexibility over how to support their local economies.”