Mike Ashley pledges to rescue UK’s high streets

MIKE Ashley has demanded an audience with MPs as he attacked politicians for their approach to the struggling British high street.

The Sports Direct founder pledged to save the high street ahead of an appearance before a select committee next month, accusing politicians and landlords of not doing enough.

Mr Ashley will attend for a full hour after MPs initially invited a House of Fraser representative to speak for 15 minutes, according to a Sports Direct spokesperson.

Sports Direct bought House of Fraser out of administration in August.

“Since we acquired House of Fraser, we’ve been working around the clock to save as many stores and jobs as possible,” Mr Ashley said in a statement.

“I believe politicians and landlords should be doing more to save our struggling high streets, so I intend to make the most of this opportunity to make a real difference.”

The meeting of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee will take place on December 5 as part of an ongoing inquiry into the future of the high street.

A Sports Direct spokesman added: “The MPs originally wanted somebody from House of Fraser to speak for about 15 minutes as part of a panel of four, and said they didn’t mind who it was.

“Mike thought that wouldn’t achieve anything, so instead he demanded to go along in person for a full hour.”