BHS collapse: Sir Philip Green set to appear before MPs next week
Billionaire retailer Sir Philip Green will be given the chance to present his side of the remarkable story of BHS’ collapse when he appears before MPs next week.
The former BHS owner, who will answer questions from two Westminster committees, faced a wave of criticism during today's parliamentary sessions.
Green sold the business to Retail Acquisitions, a group led by former racing driver Dominic Chapell, for £1 last year.
Read more: Timeline: How the collapse of BHS unfolded
But Frank Field MP, who heads up the work and pensions committee, said that Green has never been far from the action. “Green is like Banquo’s ghost in all this, he was always there – you couldn’t shake him off,” Field told Chappell.
Lin MacMillan, who campaigns for affected BHS staff, said Green “wanted rid of [BHS] because it was becoming a millstone around his neck”.
A spokesman for Sir Philip Green told Morning Wire: "Sir Philip Green provided significant funding to BHS, to give it every chance of success under new ownership. He would have welcomed any genuine rescue plan for the business."
The spokesperson insisted that Green did not know of any bid interest by Sports Direct billionaire Mike Ashley.
He also refuted claims that the Topshop boss tried to prevent Retail Acquisitions from meeting with the pensions regulator.
The spokesperson went on to blame BHS' collapse on Chappell's failure to bring in funding into the business.
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