Overview
- Mike Ashley wrote to the Prime Minister on Thursday calling Andy Burnham’s revival plans “populist” and “delusional” and saying they are too little and too late to save shops.
- Ashley argued that taxing large warehouses to fund rate cuts for high‑street firms would simply push costs onto consumers and criticised the government’s focus on media-friendly fixes.
- He urged deeper fiscal reform and highlighted operational pressures on retailers, including rising pay bills and store theft that he estimated costs Frasers about £40 million a year.
- No 10 has defended Burnham’s package, noting recent measures such as removing VAT on household electricity, capping bus fares and pledging business‑rate relief for pubs, clubs and live music venues.
- The row follows an earlier open letter from business veterans warning against new founder taxes, and it sets up a wider fight over who will pay for high‑street support ahead of the next Budget.