LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Luisa Porritt has urged the government to protect Brixton’s black-owned businesses as she made her first visit to the area as the party’s new London mayoral candidate.

Black-owned businesses have been disproportionately affected by the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak – and there have been calls for tailored action to support the challenges black business owners face.

Porritt met with market traders and Black business owners in Brixton yesterday.

Hearing about how they have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Porritt said it is “vital” that local Black-owned businesses are “protected” so they can lead the post-COVID economic recovery in the area.

Speaking about her visit to Brixton’s traders, Porritt said:
“I loved chatting with market traders in Brixton today. Small independent traders are the key to our economic recovery and at the heart of our communities.

“It is vital Brixton’s Black-owned businesses are protected by the government during the pandemic. Without them, the area’s unique identity will be lost and inequality in our capital will worsen.

Etta, a local seafood trader in Brixton, said: “Small local businesses like mine need more support if we’re still going to be around this time next year. If we’re not here, what’s left for the next generation? We need to give young people hope and job opportunities in the local neighbourhood are the best thing for it.”

London has over 600 high streets, home to over half of the city’s jobs. Many businesses have been struggling for some time due to the long-term decline of the high street, while the impact of the virus has pushed some of them to the brink.

However, there is some cautious optimism among Brixton traders, who believe more people working from home could result in higher footfall in the future.

Porritt said: “Make no mistake. This pandemic will change our city forever. But in this crisis, there is opportunity too.

“Working from home is here to stay for many Londoners. That’s going to mean more people spending time in their local area. If we reinvent our high streets, with shared working spaces and more leisure space for the after-work crowd, then retail and local traders can thrive once again.”