Commenting on the planned closure of John Lewis department store in Birmingham, Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood, Shabana Mahmood, said:

“Today’s news that Birmingham’s John Lewis store is set to permanently close is a hammer blow for our local economy. The fact that this flagship store in our country’s second city has been unable to weather the current economic challenges and those which existed before the lockdown is deeply worrying.

“I have been assured by John Lewis that a package of support will be in place for employees and the wider community and I will be monitoring the situation closely in the days and weeks ahead. My thoughts are with all of the workers and nearby businesses who will be undoubtedly devastated by this news.

“I will be doing everything I can to work with colleagues from across our city and in Whitehall to ensure that our city centre can emerge from this crisis resiliently and with innovation, in typical Brum spirit.

“If you are a Birmingham Ladywood constituent and have been affected by this news, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me by emailing shabana.mahmood.mp@parliament.uk or by calling 0121 661 9440.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. For further information or comment, please contact Will Hingley on will@cathoddu.com.