On Friday 12th January, I had the pleasure of meeting with Cllr Suresh Patel at my office in Skelmersdale to discuss the work of the Federation of Independent Retailers. Cllr Patel is one of three Labour councillors for Upholland and an active member of the Federation.

It’s great that there’s a national organisation dedicated to advocating on behalf of independent retailers. In West Lancashire, we’re lucky to have a thriving network of retailers right across the constituency and I want to ensure that it grows. That’s a lot easier with the Fed on hand.

I was very glad to learn that the Federation, with its Safe, Secure, Supported campaign, is directly tackling the problem of theft and robbery against retailers. I’m keenly aware that when retailers open up shop each day, they face a very real threat of serious crime. This is unacceptable and the Government needs to do more to protect our retailers.

Small and independent retail is vitally important to our high streets. A Labour Government would remove the £200 rule on shoplifting, which allows criminals who steal from shops to escape court. Labour would also make assaulting shop workers a specific offence, with attackers being jailed for up to two years if convicted. It’s vitally important that we protect our retailers and I’m proud of Labour’s plans to make our retailers safer.

Thank you to Cllr Patel and the Federation for arranging this meeting. I look forward to working with them in my future efforts to promote successful enterprise in West Lancashire.