In Parliament today  I highlighted the different approach taken by the Welsh and UK Governments on support for small businesses. My question fell on the day when English businesses lost their business rate relief – which, in contrast, has been extended by a year in Wales.

Speaking in Business Questions today, I said “Today 750,000 businesses across England have lost their business rate relief, but in Wales the Welsh Labour Government has extended business rate relief for a year and provided new support for businesses impacted by the pandemic. Can we have an opportunity to impress upon ministers the need to do more, help shops and businesses get back on their feet, and follow the Welsh example?”

In response, Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg MP claimted that there had “already been significant support” for businesses across the UK; adding “the taxpayer has already been leant upon to a very considerable extent and there is not unlimited money.”

In contrast to the flawed approach taken by Conservative UK Government, our Welsh Labour Government has taken action to support our small businesses in challenging times. Whether through its extension of business rate relief or the most generous package of business support of any UK nation, the Welsh Government has shown that is on the side of small business.