Watch my speech on boosting our high streets

High streets are so much more than just shopping streets.

They shape how people feel about where they live.

When they’re thriving, people take pride in their towns and feel a real sense of optimism not just about their local area but the country as well.

Sadly, though, Labour’s first year in office delivered successive blows to businesses and the high street.

Over the past months, I have been hosting meetings for traders across South Devon, speaking directly to those running shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs.

The consistent message was clear: the damaging increase in employers national insurance contributions has hit business hard.

One café in Brixham faces an extra £15k in NI costs this year alone. While one larger restaurant, with several sites across South Devon, has said the additional cost is the equivalent to opening an entirely new restaurant.

Continuing along this path is clearly unsustainable and the Chancellor must rethink some of the measures introduced at her last Budget.

Because, if the Government wants people to feel their lives are improving and their communities are flourishing, then supporting the high street must be a priority.