Poundland Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
Brian Leishman
Main Page: Brian Leishman (Labour - Alloa and Grangemouth)Department Debates - View all Brian Leishman's debates with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
(1 day, 22 hours ago)
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Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth) (Lab)
I thank the Minister for her answers, and my thoughts are with all the staff at the Alloa store. What is happening with Poundland is the latest example of private equity being allowed to do as it pleases—the type of behaviour that, frankly, has destroyed our high streets. Both the UK and Scottish Governments need to act to stop private equity raiding our towns and then upping sticks when it has decided that there is nothing else to extract. Will the Government take decisive action, and take steps such as curbing profit shifting and tax abuse by private equity?
Kate Dearden
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise business owners’ responsibilities to their employees. In this case, there are 12,000 of them across the country, including many in his constituency, as well as suppliers. That is why it is right that this Government are putting pressure on the company. It has responsibilities to their employees, who also have rights, and that is why we are asking the owners to do everything they can to protect employees and suppliers. I will continue our engagements this week, because it is a real priority for us.