Burnham’s high street plan is ‘delusional’, says Mike Ashley

Billionaire Mike Ashley has criticized Prime Minister Burnham’s plan to reform business rates and curb discounting, calling it "delusional." Ashley, who leads the Frasers Group, argues that these measures could severely harm small businesses and lead to store closures. His comments highlight broader concerns about the potential negative impacts on retail, particularly for high-street shops reliant on discount strategies. This debate underscores the tension between regulatory efforts to support traditional retail and the need to adapt to changing consumer habits.