MORE must be done to help high-street businesses succeed and not fall victim to online retailers, an MP has warned.

Philip Davies – whose Shipley constituency includes Cullingworth and Denholme – says shops are the backbone of communities and vital to local economies, but are struggling to compete with internet sales.

He told the Commons: "Following the disappointing profit results from Debenhams – which come hot on the heels of the difficulties faced by names such as Maplin, New Look, Toys R Us and others – we must have a debate on what the Government can do to help high-street retailers.

"We need to look at how we can assist them to compete against online retailers, particularly in relation to things like business rates, so that bricks and mortar businesses which are very much needed and welcome on our high streets can continue and thrive rather than struggle."

He said the announcement in November by Chancellor Philip Hammond, that increases in business rates from this year would be based on the consumer price index rather than the retail price index, would help.

But he warned that high-street businesses were still paying heftier sums in tax than their online counterparts.

Commons leader Andrea Leadsom said all MPs were concerned about the health of high-street shops.

She added: "Mr Davies is right to talk about competition from online, where perhaps business rates are making the difference.

"He will be aware of our measures to reform business rates and to try and make it a more equal playing field.

"Obviously measures like Small Business Saturday and the work we all do as MPs to promote our own shopping areas are important."