M&S accuses Gove of ‘grandstanding’ over Oxford Street store rebuild inquiry

Government calls in retailer's plan for site after campaigners say it will release 40,000 tonnes of CO2

Marks & Spencer has sparked a public row with Michael Gove, accusing the Conservative cabinet minister of political grandstanding" after he ordered a public inquiry into its plan to demolish and rebuild its flagship Oxford Street store in London.

The retailer said it was bewildered and disappointed" at Michael Gove's baseless decision", which came after the scheme was granted permission to the displeasure of campaigners, who claimed the project would release 40,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.