The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 19 May 2026.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy – run by people who take risks, create jobs and keep communities going. This government is firmly on their side.
Too many small business owners are spending hours chasing money they are owed and when payments don’t come through, the cost is personal. It’s about whether you can pay your staff, keep the lights on, or invest in your future.
Today we’re changing that with the toughest action on late payments in a generation, so small businesses get paid on time and get the backing they need to grow, create jobs and serve their communities.