There are serious questions to be asked about the substantial dividends and bonuses Wilko shareholders and executives were paying themselves just last year.

Recently I secured a Parliamentary debate to highlight the challenges our struggling high streets are facing. Sadly, shuttered up shops and closing down stores have become the norm after 13 years of Tory economic failure. The Government has presented no ideas for our high streets and I’m still waiting for a response from the Secretary of State to my letter asking what’s being done to protect as many jobs as possible and support Wilko staff into new employment.  Read my letter in full below.

As GMB Union say, “No worker caused the downfall of Wilko. But they will be the ones who will suffer.” My thoughts are with them on this difficult day.