Labour set to unveil plan to back small businesses

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Appearing alongside shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves and other shadow cabinet ministers, Sir Keir Starmer is expected to accuse the Conservatives of holding back small businesses as he unveils his party’s plans for the sector. “Through no fault of their own, hard-working small businesses have been held back by a tired Tory party that has failed to provide the stability and certainty business needs to thrive.” Labour first put forward its plan to “breathe new life” into Britain’s high streets in April, drawing approval from trade bodies for its proposed overhaul of the business rates system. Our snap election poll shows that the majority of the UK's 5.5 million small business votes are up for grabs Tina McKenzie, Federation of Small Businesses Tina McKenzie, policy chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, said it was “good to see late payment addressed by Labour” and eyes would now “turn towards its manifesto launch to see if the party takes a pro-small business approach”. She said: “Our snap election poll shows that the majority of the UK’s 5.5 million small business votes are up for grabs.” Ms McKenzie added: “As the election gets into its final stage, it’s crucial political parties reassure small businesses on tax, on protecting small business apprenticeships, and on having the right legislative environment to support growth.” Business minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “Labour remain committed to imposing Angela Rayner’s French-style union laws that would hammer our vital small businesses.