Alex's open letter to M&S

Alex Brewer MP invites you to cosign her letter as part of her campaign to save the M&S Food store on Fleet High Street

I am writing, alongside many others in North East Hampshire, to express our disappointment at the decision to close M&S Food in Fleet.

Fleet is the largest conurbation in the North East Hampshire constituency, and the presence of M&S has long been an important part of the town's identity and daily life. The closure of this store will have a significant and lasting impact. Our high street is already under considerable pressure, and the loss of a major anchor retailer risks undermining footfall, confidence, and the viability of neighbouring businesses. Beyond the economic consequences, there is a very real social impact. Many residents rely on this store for accessible, high-quality groceries, and a significant number, particularly older residents and those with mobility challenges, are simply unable to travel to alternative locations such as Farnham or The Meadows.

We understand that commercial decisions must be made, but we are troubled by the principle at stake here. The store is profitable, it supports local jobs and it serves a community need. To close it on the grounds that it is not profitable enough raises serious questions about how major retailers understand their responsibilities to the communities in which they operate. We want to live in a society where profit-first businesses are not profit-only businesses, and we believe M&S has historically understood that distinction.

We therefore ask that you reconsider the proposed closure.

We are grateful for your consideration of this matter and would welcome any opportunity to discuss it further.

Yours sincerely,