The government’s defended national insurance rises after a bakery chain co-owned by Romesh Ranganathan was forced to shut after 89 years.

In a social media post, the comedian said “Gutted wasn’t the word”.

Coughlans Bakery operates a chain of shops across Banstead, Croydon, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex.

It’s blamed the increase and a hike in business rates for closing.

But Commons leader Alan Campbell insists the changes are needed to “spend more and invest in public services”.