Ahead of Wednesday's Autumn Budget (November 26), Connor Naismith MP met with Chancellor Rachel Reeves at 11 Downing Street, discussing measures to support high streets and reduce illegal working. 

Mr Naismith has been a vocal supporter of high streets in Crewe and Nantwich, raising the issue on multiple occasions in Parliament.

He is also in regular conversation with local businesses and their representatives, like the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement District.  

Earlier this year, a BBC investigation into the proliferation of vape shops across high streets in the UK, uncovered organised crime groups, preying on vulnerable immigrants seeking asylum to run shops selling illegal products.  

Top Store, Nantwich Road, was investigated by the BBC for being part of UK organised crime, preying on vulnerable immigrants seeking asylum to run shops selling illegal products (Photo: Ryan Parker).

The investigation documented a mini-mart on Nantwich Road in Crewe, where two undercover reporters posing as asylum seekers were told how easy it would be for them to take over and run a shop and make big profits selling illegal vapes and cigarettes. 

At the time of the investigation, Mr Naismith called for an increase in local authority capacity to allow Trading Standards to crack down on the illicit schemes.

He also noted the use of Ghost Directors to circumvent HMRC needed to be tackled centrally by the government. 

On November 5, Cheshire Police visited the premises, where it was found the store had quickly changed hands and there was no trace of the suspects featured in the BBC's piece.

Discussing the meeting, Mr Naismith told Nub News: "I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak with the Chancellor ahead of the Budget.

Crewe and Nantwich MP, Connor Naismith, called for 'robust action' to tackle illegal practices (Photo: Ryan Parker).

"Among the many concerns of my constituents around the cost of living, improving public services and getting debt under control, I was keen to press home the significance of the recent BBC investigation in Crewe which found illegal working and trading in vape shops in our town. 

"I made it clear I would like to see robust action to tackle these illegal practices so we can build upon the solid foundations we are laying on our high streets in Crewe and Nantwich." 

READ MORE: Sexual predator, 38, jailed following abuse of vulnerable teenager in Crewe.

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