Mike Ashley criticizes Andy Burnham's high street plans

Retail billionaire Mike Ashley has publicly criticized Prime Minister Andy Burnham's plans to revive Britain's high streets, calling them "delusional" and warning they will further devastate retailers unless fundamental issues like business rates and employment costs are addressed. In a letter sent to Downing Street on Thursday, August 27, 2026, the founder of Frasers Group and Sports Direct accused the Prime Minister of prioritizing "media soundbites" over practical solutions to the country's economic challenges.

The intervention comes as the UK faces a significant retail downturn, with data from the Centre for Retail Research indicating the country could see up to 17,350 shop closures in 2026 and a record high vacancy rate of around 16%. Reviving high streets has been a central policy focus for Prime Minister Burnham since taking office. His proposals include giving councils new powers to block certain vape and betting shops, and funding business rates discounts for pubs and clubs by increasing rates on online retail warehouses.

Ashley, whose retail empire includes House of Fraser, Flannels, and the recently acquired Harvey Nichols, directly challenged the Prime Minister's...