Today in Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Questions in the House Commons, Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, highlighted the uncertainty facing businesses and constituents who have not been able to access financial support during the COVID-19 crisis.
In his question to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Dr Hudson stated that many people, particularly the newly self-employed, limited company directors, freelancers and new starters, have fallen through the cracks in the Government’s very welcome support packages to date.
In his response to Dr Neil Hudson MP, Alok Sharma MP stated that ‘through the job retention scheme we have supported over 9 million jobs and 2.7 million people from the self-employed support scheme.’ Alok Sharma went on to say ‘The key now is to get the economy up and running so businesses can trade.’
Later on in the Business Questions session the Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Ed Miliband MP) referred back to Dr Hudson’s question, showing the cross-party support for addressing this issue.
Speaking after the Commons session, Neil said “I am really pleased that the Business Secretary reiterated the vital financial support that the Treasury has been providing to date. However, it is important to continue to highlight the plight of those who have been left out during this crisis to make sure they are properly supported. Therefore, it was great to see support from the Labour front bench as this is an issue that cuts across party lines. This morning, I also attended the ExcludedUK All-Party Parliamentary Group (which was set up to represent the 3 million people who have not been included by Government support) which has 239 MPs signed up to support its aims.
I will continue to press the case to Government in this area.