Warwick and Leamington MP gives assurances to Warwickshire businesses that he will fight for future of county's economy and prosperity

Matt Western, the Labour MP for Warwick and Leamington, spoke to around 30 firms from across the area during a call set up by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce as part of its #policyhour inititiative.

He said he would not provide opposition to Government measures for “opposition’s sake” but would raise the concerns of business with the Shadow Cabinet, who are in regular contact with the Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

During the video call, firms raised a host of issues around the support available to businesses as well as suggestions on how to improve cashflow within some sectors of the economy.

They ranged from easier access to Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans through to Government releasing cash now to those law firms who provide legal aid rather than holding onto it.

Mr Western said: “It was a very good session with the Chamber and the many businesses from across the region who raised a series of issues.

“It is important that we do not oppose the Government’s handling of the crisis for opposition’s sake but we must also ask constructive questions and that can also mean learning from other country’s handling of Coronavirus.

“When it comes to the help for business, there needs to be more flexibility in the system to ensure that some companies aren’t denied access to support because certain thresholds have been set.

“As well as the very obvious health challenge that this crisis is presenting, we must do all we can to protect as many businesses as possible in order to ensure the future of the economy, prosperity and jobs.”

Sean Rose, policy officer at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said it had been a very constructive call.

He said: “That’s our third session with a local MP since the crisis hit and companies are making good use of the time to be able to talk directly to their elected representatives about the issues they are facing.

“We’ve had some very good feedback from members who joined the call with Matt Western and there was certainly a variety of issues brought to light that he will be raising with the Shadow Cabinet and Government.”