Graham has backed Kemi Badenoch’s new five-point plan to cut costs, reduce red tape and get Britain growing again, saying it shows what happens when politicians listen to local businesses, understands the pressure they are under, and set out practical solutions.
Over recent months, Graham has spoken to family firms, high street businesses, hospitality venues, rural services and young people looking for work.
Their message has been clear: energy costs are too high, business rates are biting, hiring is harder than it should be, and red tape is stopping businesses from investing with confidence.
At Tickton Grange, Graham heard how rising costs are squeezing hospitality.
At Jack in the Box in Beverley, he heard how a £27,000 business rates rise is hitting a family venue used by parents and children.
At Long Riston Services, he saw how a fivefold increase in business rates threatened a vital rural petrol station serving surrounding villages.
In Hedon, Graham fought to protect access to cash after Lloyds announced it would close the last bank in Holderness. Following Graham’s campaign, Lloyds agreed to stay open until the new Cash Hub is ready.
Graham has also been campaigning for better first jobs and local opportunities for young people, so they can get a proper start without having to move away.
Graham has taken these concerns to Parliament and raised them with colleagues, arguing that growth must be felt in places like Beverley, Holderness and the East Riding, not just talked about in London.
He said local businesses are not asking for gimmicks. They need lower costs, less red tape and the confidence to hire, invest and grow.
A new plan to cut costs and back growth
In a landmark speech on Thursday 18th June, Kemi Badenoch has now set out a five-point plan to:
- Cut energy costs
- Make hiring easier
- Cut taxes
- Cut red tape
- Back business to get growth
Graham said the plan should be adopted by the Government now, because local businesses need practical support and cannot afford more delay.
He said the need for action is urgent, with the economy shrinking by 0.1% in April, inflation higher than when Labour came to power, and nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 across the country not in education, employment or training.
In her speech, Kemi Badenoch said: “Government should create the conditions for growth and then get out of the way.”
She also said Britain should “champion the small businesses, family firms, major employers and investors who take risks, create jobs, support communities and get Britain working.”
Graham said: “Local businesses in Beverley and Holderness need a break.
“That is what I have heard from businesses in Beverley, Tickton, Hedon, Long Riston, Withernsea and across Holderness.
“This is what happens when politicians listen properly. You hear from businesses on the ground, take those concerns to Westminster, and work with colleagues to find real solutions.
“Kemi’s five-point plan is rooted in the same problems businesses across Beverley and Holderness have been raising with me: high energy costs, heavy taxes, too much red tape and the need for confidence to hire and grow.
“This is how politics should work. Listen locally. Take it to Westminster. Show the problem. Back a plan to fix it.
“If local businesses cannot grow, local jobs suffer, prices rise and young people lose opportunities.
“I will keep putting Beverley and Holderness first by backing the policies that cut costs, reduce red tape and help create local jobs.”
