Business Secretary pledges support to riot-affected Liverpool businesses
The Secretary of State for Business Jonathan Reynolds visited Liverpool on Friday (9 August) and said the government would be “working with the insurance industry where people have been affected and need to get their claims processed as soon as possible and get that redress that they need”.
“Local businesses are at the heart of the community,” he said.
“I want them to know the government are behind them.”
He added: “Many small businesses have been the innocent victims of the recent unacceptable violence and disorder. This Government is committed to ensuring they get back on their feet as soon as possible.
“Today I have been in Liverpool, to listen, reassure and offer the support necessary.”
Thanking Reynolds, Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council welcomed the support and said that although the work of rebuilding must be rooted in local communities “we can do so much more with the support of national government.”
In Walton he spoke to local MP Dan Darden and Spellow Library manager Deborah Moore who described the feelings of devastation when their community resource was attacked last weekend.
They have since been overwhelmed by public support to repair the damage done.
The courts have moved quickly to deal with offenders who rioted last week after misinformation circulated following the horrific murder of three young children in Southport.
Four men have been jailed on Friday for a combined eight years and three months following violent disorder in Liverpool and Southport. The latest results from court means there are now seven men in prison following disorder in Merseyside.
