Lucy Powell comments on news that Co-op is creating 1000 jobs and opening 50 new stores

"It's fantastic to see the Co-op creating new jobs and expanding, providing a much needed boost for this country's high streets and our economy at a time when jobs are being shed at an alarming rate.

"Sadly it comes on the same day as Costa Coffee announcing 1,650 jobs are at risk. If we want to see jobs saved and more job creation rather than an accelerating jobs crisis, the Government needs to support businesses hard hit by the virus.

"Labour has repeatedly called for Ministers to redeploy business grants underspend - more than a billion pounds - as part of a Hospitality and High Street Fightback Fund. Instead they are turning their backs on our high streets and clawing this money back."