MP renews her criticism of vape shops and 'fake' barbers - but does she risk inciting tensions?

                                      

Melanie Onn - 'Commons attack on 'fake' barbers

GRIMSBY & Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn (Lab) has again spoken out against the brightly-coloured pop-up shops that have become  a feature in the constituency - and in many other towns and cities in the UK.

At yesterday's  Prime Ministers' Questions in the 'Commons, she demanded: "Tax evasion, money laundering,  illicit goods and illegal working all undermine our high  streets, including Freeman Street. 

"They undermine local business confidence and challenge community cohesion. 

"That is the reality  around the country because of the explosion of vape  shops, fake barbers, Harry Potter shops and American  candy stores. 

"Will the Prime Minister commit to  working with his Cabinet to bring in a national strategy  to tackle the scourges of the high street and restore  high street confidence?"

Sir Keir Starmer responded: "I thank the hon. Lady for raising  this issue. 

"I know it is of concern to her and to many  people across the House. 

"The system we have is broken;  it does not serve anyone well. 

"We have to reform it, and I hope  that we can get the greatest support possible for the reform that I think everybody here knows has to happen."

The Grimsby News says: An alternative perspective from the one adopted by Ms Onn and the Prime Minister is that these brightly-coloured premises brighten up shopping areas and are far preferable to stores that shuttered or permanently closed. And, contrary to what she suggests, many of these businesses, especially barbers, are legitimate and provide a valuable service. By her careless generalisation, the MP has not only maligned many good people but she has made them vulnerable to abuse (and maybe worse) from other members of the community.