The MP for Streatham, Chuka Umunna, is to meet with retail guru Mary Portas and other MP’s in a bid to revitalise the high street.

Home to one of the longest stretches of high street in Europe, Streatham businesses are currently battling the government’s recent VAT increase to 20 per cent and continuing low consumer spending which has taken its toll on local businesses.

The Labour MP and shadow business secretary, along with fellow Labour MP’s Harriet Harman and Hilary Benn, have written to Downing Street to raise concerns over the future of Britain’s high streets calling for a ‘4-point’ action plan to protect them which includes a temporary vat decrease and measures to give communities the power to develop retail growth in their own area.

Mary Portas, who has showcased her retail business experience in Channel 4 shows such as Mary Queen of Shops and Secret Shopper, was asked by the government to provide an independent report on what can be done to aid Britain’s high streets following criticism that not enough was being done to foster confidence and support growth.

MP for Streatham, Chuka Umunna, said: “I have written to Mary Portas to make the case for high streets in my constituency, and up and down the country.

“The Conservative-led Government, through actions such as the ill-advised VAT rise, has created a dangerous lack of confidence that is making life incredibly difficult for hard working local retailers.”

“Our Constituency has so many vibrant local Shops and it is essential that we do all we can to support them.

“I will be fighting the case for local businesses both in Parliament and on the ground in my constituency”

In their letter the MPs also raised concerns that betting shops and gambling machines, which can take up to £18,000 an hour, are putting negative pressures on local high streets and exploiting vulnerable people.