Co-operative sector and economic recovery

That this House notes that the UK co-operative movement has grown to a combined annual turnover of £38 billion owned by over 14 million members and 241,714 employees; further notes that co-operatives in the UK operate across a wide range of sectors, all guided by the values and principles of co-operation that include concern for community and member economic participation; recognises the vital contribution of the co-operative sector in the national response to the coronavirus pandemic; further recognises the role co-operatives can play in rebuilding the economy in the aftermath of the covid-19 crisis; notes that Co-operatives Fortnight takes place from 22 June until 5 July 2020; and urges the Government to take steps to encourage further growth and expansion of the co-operative sector.