Robert Halfon MP raises difficulties facing Harlow businesses with Prime Minister

LAST week, in the House of Commons, Harlow’s MP, Robert Halfon, raised the difficulties many of Harlow’s small businesses have faced with the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. Mr Halfon said “that despite the strong financial support for businesses, many businesses in my constituency of Harlow have really struggled” and asked the Prime Minister “to ensure that he takes into consideration the really tough—sometimes devastating—effects on small businesses in future decisions on covid”.

The Prime Minister thanked Mr Halfon “for what he does to champion small businesses in Harlow” and explained that small businesses “are the backbone of our economy” and that is “why the Government have done everything we can to keep businesses going”. With regard to the major financial package that has been brought forward to support local businesses, the Prime Minister said that he has “no doubt that that investment will be repaid by growth and dynamism next year as those businesses bounce back.”

Commenting, Mr Halfon said: “This has been an incredibly tough time for our town’s small businesses. I have been in regular contact with hundreds of those businesses over the last 8 months, doing everything I can to support them. I’ve met with and written to Ministers on a number of occasions and I am pleased that I’ve been able to secure a financial package worth well over £130 million to date.

“I will continue to do everything I can to support Harlow’s businesses and I would encourage any that are struggling to visit gov.uk/coronavirus or call the Government’s Business Helpline on 0800 998 1098 to see what financial support is available to them.”