Oral Answers to Questions

Tom Randall Excerpts

Tuesday 16th June 2020 Commons Chamber

[Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP)]

What steps he is taking to support the business economy during the covid-19 outbreak.

[Tom Randall (Gedling) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to support businesses during the covid-19 outbreak.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to support businesses during the covid-19 outbreak.

--- Later in debate ---

[Alok Sharma]

We want to support businesses, and I have set out a range of measures that we have put in place. The hon. Lady referred to a matter that ultimately is for HMRC and Her Majesty’s Treasury, but I am happy to have a discussion with her after questions.

[Tom Randall]

A few weeks ago, I was pleased to visit Arnold market in my constituency and it was great to see that it was operating very well under the new guidelines. As the wider high street is now beginning to reopen, can my right hon Friend tell me what support his Department will be giving to shops as they reopen?

[Alok Sharma]

I thank my hon. Friend for doing his bit to support businesses in his constituency. In coming up with the workplace guidance, which has allowed businesses to open safely, we have worked closely with businesses, business representative organisations and trade unions. I have already outlined the support that we have provided for the sector, but what we all need to do is to get out there to support businesses that are now opening. We owe that to them and to the economy to get it going again.