Labour’s Big Promise to Small Biz at 3 Locks
Sir Keir Starmer took the stage at the 3 Locks Brewing Company in Camden, pulling no punches about the bruised business‑rates system that’s left small shops and cafés feeling the squeeze.
“If we’re in charge, we’re going to set up a honest, level playing field,” Keir told the buzzing crowd. “The current system is all bad and it’s kept small businesses from thriving.”
What’s on the Agenda?
- Stop the late‑payment nightmare: Large companies will be forced to give a proper by‑date and report how they handle invoices.
- Rethink business rates: Replace the old tax structure with something that actually works for “brick‑and‑mortar” shops, not just online gig‑ecosystems.
- Power up energy: Push for Big‑Brit Energy, a public renewable‑energy vehicle that could bring cheaper, steady bills for tiny enterprises.
Deborah Meaden Joins In
Dragon‑Den veteran Deborah Meaden broke the news with a grin. “Labour’s ideas are no joke,” she said, applauding Gave Energy’s model for keeping costs predictable. “These small shops deserve a break from the energy roller‑coaster.”
Shadow Of The Conservatives
Rachel Reeves, in the Sun, set the contrast straight: “We’ll cut taxes, but we won’t promise a whole‑cow‑of‑cheques plan that never pays out.” She slammed the coalition’s approach and vowed the team would keep finances honest.
Sir Keir closed by emphasizing that the backing for small businesses is the backbone of the economy. “We’re giving them the stability they need and the chance to lift their wobbly mortgages and keep the lights on without blowing their budgets,” he declared.
