It was a pleasure to welcome Kemi Badenoch and the Shadow Chancellor, Mel Stride, to McDonalds on Ruislip High Street this morning.
In addition to meeting McDonalds franchisee owner Abel and his team, Kemi also hosted a roundtable with local and independent businesses, which was also attended by Ruislip ward councillors John Riley and Peter Smallwood.
This discussion took place against a backdrop of high unemployment, low business confidence and near-flatlined growth. Business owners were honest about the pressures they are facing, from employers’ national insurance hikes to high energy costs and changes to business rates, and I know they really valued the opportunity to be heard and their concerns listened to – something that has been notably absent under Labour’s governance.
I am proud to represent a constituency with so many independent businesses and vibrant high streets, and I am glad of the opportunity to showcase just some of these to the Leader of the Opposition.
