I was pleased to attend the Association of Convenience Stores’ launch of the ‘2020 Rural Shop Report’ recently in Parliament. This report highlights the importance of the UK’s 16,986 rural shops, who continue to provide around 146,000 local, flexible and secure jobs, and I was pleased to be able to show my support for the important work rural shops do in our communities, including here in Corby & East Northamptonshire. It is fair to say we have a number of terrific rural shops in our area and they make a huge contribution to our local community!