Clive Lewis MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, commenting on the announcement of a 25 per cent drop in half-year pre-tax profits at Sports Direct, said:

“It is not surprising that Sports Direct’s profits have taken a hit given the revelations that employees have been paid less than the minimum wage for years, made to work in Victorian conditions, and the collapse of corporate governance structures that followed. 

“The reputational damage caused to the company is entirely of Mike Ashley’s own making. He should focus his energies on reforming his business, instead of blaming those who have held him to account in the name of the public interest.”