Lucy Powell comments on reports that John Lewis could close more of its high street stores

"This news is really worrying for John Lewis employees and is yet another blow for our struggling high streets.

"The pandemic has accelerated changes to the way we shop, but the Government continuing to disadvantage bricks and mortar shops over online companies is cranking up the pressure and leading to businesses collapsing that may otherwise have had a bright future as our country recovers.

"Unless the Government puts in place a proper long-term plan for our high streets, including real action to help level the playing field and to ease the weight of debt piling up on businesses, we will see more shops vanishing and our high streets hollowed out."