Small and medium businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and I recognise the enormous contribution SMEs make in my own constituency of Streatham and all over the UK. Whether it be corner shops and cafes who have had to work throughout the pandemic, or independent retailers and the self-employed who have been short-changed by the Government, they deserve support and recognition for the diverse range of services they provide to the community. Yet, it is devastating that small businesses are likely to have seen turnover plummet by more than half. Moreover, freelance workers and the self-employed have been completely ignored by the Government and left with no financial help during this crisis.
That is why I remain committed to campaigning on behalf of SMEs, microbusinesses and the self-employed who make up the overwhelming majority of UK business. This is where the Government’s true business priorities should lie, and only a Labour Government will deliver policies that will foster the democratic, cultural and economic benefits of SMEs. Therefore, I am happy to support and express my solidarity with ‘SMEs 4 Labour’.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
Labour Member of Parliament for Streatham