Chatting with residents in any community will reveal that the rising cost of living is a major concern. This issue is personally significant to me, as I have been involved in efforts to make essential items more affordable for families, such as advocating for lower prices on infant formula and assisting individuals in avoiding predatory lending practices.
Having traveled extensively across the nation last year, engaging with Iceland’s vast workforce of 30,000 employees and its five million weekly customers, we compiled our insights into the ‘Iceland Manifesto,’ released just before the previous year’s election. The feedback highlighted a sense of disconnection from policymakers and widespread struggles with the affordability of various necessities, ranging from childcare and veterinary expenses to heating and food. These worries persist, emphasizing the ongoing urgency to address the challenges of the cost of living, which remains a top priority for many.
My appointment as a Labour peer is driven by a desire to bring practical insights from the high street to Westminster, amplifying the voices of businesses and communities nationwide. I hold great respect for the expertise and quality of discussions in the House of Lords and am eager to contribute my perspective as a retailer and entrepreneur. Leading a family business that supports numerous jobs and provides millions with access to reasonably priced, high-quality food has equipped me to offer a unique viewpoint.
Understanding firsthand the pressures faced by businesses in meeting payroll obligations and the daily struggles of families to afford nutritious meals, I am committed to advocating for practical solutions. The government’s focus on fostering economic growth is commendable, with an emphasis on removing obstacles that hinder progress. Private enterprise plays a vital role in driving this growth, necessitating a conducive environment for investment and stable regulatory and tax structures.
While I acknowledge that Westminster does not hold all the solutions, I firmly believe that engaging individuals with direct involvement and speaking candidly can enhance its effectiveness. In my new position, I remain dedicated to this principle, striving to contribute constructively to the ongoing dialogue on economic prosperity and social well-being.