No further support planned for Leicester businesses after extended lockdown

The government has no plans to provide additional support for businesses in Leicester, who were left unable to open after a spike in Covid-19 cases saw the city placed under an extended lockdown.

Liz Kendall, Labour MP for Leicester West, who had called for city-specific measures in light of the lockdown, which will continue until at least 18 July, said the government's lack of action should be seen as a “warning” for areas that may also see spikes in the future.

Nadhim Zahawi, minister for business and industry, confirmed the government’s stance, writing in a letter to Kendall: “The chancellor has already said that there are no plans to change the scope or extend any of the schemes currently available. I hope the lockdown is temporary and that affected businesses in Leicester will be able to reopen soon.”

Kendall responded: “My constituents and people across Leicester deserve better. This is a warning for future local lockdowns too.”

Jon Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, added: “Folk across Leicester worried about their livelihoods and businesses are getting in touch about this. It's shocking and unacceptable that local Leicester small businesses have been abandoned like this.”

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