Retailers Urge Government Action Following King’s Speech
- May 18
- 2 min read
UK retailers have called on the Government to take urgent action to protect consumers from rising costs following the latest King’s Speech, warning that businesses and households are facing increasing financial pressure.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said reducing the “costs of doing business” would be essential if ministers want to improve living standards and prevent further price increases across food and essential goods.
Responding to the speech, BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson warned that retailers were already grappling with soaring operational costs, while geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures threatened to intensify the situation further.
She said the Government must act quickly to address rising energy, tax and regulatory costs, adding that households were facing another significant cost-of-living squeeze.
Retail leaders welcomed some elements of the legislative agenda, including proposals aimed at improving trade relations with the EU, tackling late payments and strengthening action against retail crime. However, the sector warned that immediate support on energy costs and business rates was notably absent.
One of the most closely watched proposals is the European Partnership Bill, which could pave the way for a future sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU. Retailers believe such a move could help reduce border friction and ease supply chain pressures for food businesses trading across the Channel.
The Small Business Protections Bill was also welcomed by many in the sector. The proposed legislation would introduce tougher measures on late payments, including new powers for the Small Business Commissioner to investigate poor payment practices and fine persistent offenders.
Retail crime remains another major concern. The BRC said organised crime, shoplifting and violence against shop workers continue to cost retailers and consumers hundreds of millions of pounds each year, with more visible neighbourhood policing needed to deter criminal activity.
Despite welcoming parts of the Government’s long-term growth agenda, retailers stressed that political debate must not delay practical support measures that could help stabilise prices and protect consumers in the months ahead.
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