Bill Esterson MP,
Labour’s Shadow Business and International Trade Minister, responding to the publishing of
the Financial Conduct Authority Interim Report into the treatment of small
businesses at the Royal Bank of Scotland, said:

“The release of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Interim Report is
welcome news, but it is now essential the Government orders a judge-led inquiry
into the treatment of small businesses by the Royal Bank of Scotland.
 
“The news of a police investigation last week is also an important step in
ensuring the truth is discovered as part of a full and transparent process.
Trust between small businesses and our financial institutions needs to be
restored because their relationship is key to the success of the UK economy.

"The next Labour Government will stand up for small businesses by
providing them with access to finance through Regional Investment Banks so we
can build an economy that works for the many, not the few.”

John
Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, responding to new
figures showing slowing growth in the construction industry, said:

“These
figures show a worrying slowdown in workload growth for housebuilders,
particularly for social housing.

“Instead
of setting more targets they don’t meet, Ministers should back Labour’s
long-term plan for housing by investing to build the homes the country
needs.”

Jack
Dromey MP, Shadow Minister for Labour, commenting on the Unpaid Work Experience
(Prohibition) Bill 2017-19 to limit unpaid internships to four weeks, said:

“Unpaid
internships disadvantage people from poorer families. It’s simply not fair for
some to get a leg up in their careers when others cannot afford the
opportunity. Labour will ban unpaid internships to ensure no one is prevented
from gaining professional experience because of their background.“

Rebecca
Long-Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy,
commenting on a survey by Santander and the Engineering Employers Federation,
said:

“This is
yet further evidence that the Government’s chaotic handling of the Brexit
negotiations is holding our economy back. 

“With the
Tory Cabinet too busy negotiating amongst themselves to make real progress in
the Brexit talks, it’s no wonder businesses are reluctant to invest. 

“The next
Labour government will introduce a bold industrial strategy, work with our European
neighbours to provide certainty for businesses and negotiate a jobs-first
Brexit that protects jobs, rights and living standards.”

Tracy
Brabin MP, Labour’s Shadow Early Years Minister, responding to
the poll by Action for Children on Children’s Centres, said:

“Tory
cuts to funding for children’s services are making it impossible for councils
to provide the support that children and families need.

“It
should shame ministers that they’re overseeing such a dramatic fall in these
services when nearly half of children fail to meet developmental milestones by
age five. It goes to show ‘social mobility’ is nothing but a catchphrase to
them.

“With
Sure Start Centres closing across the country at an alarming rate, as their
funding continues to be slashed, there are more and more children who need
support, but are not able to access it because of this Government.

“The
next Labour Government will provide these vital services with the funding they
need, including a ring-fenced grant of £500 million a year for Sure Start.”