LABOUR is calling on the government to repay the “huge sacrifices” independent firms have made during the pandemic to mark Small Business Saturday.

Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said yesterday ministers should provide a “proper package of support” to small businesses to see them through the winter after coming out of lockdowns.

Labour said that many businesses face continued restrictions under the new tiered coronavirus rules in the run-up to Christmas, without sufficient financial support from the government.