Local MP joins call for ‘Buy British’ section on online stores of supermarkets

The letter, penned by Dr Luke Evans MP and supported by 110 cross-Party MPs, states ‘Our ask is simple, create a tab that collates produce from farmers', citing consumer choice, environmental benefits and support for farmers as reasons to make the change.

The ‘Buy British’ tab would collate produce from across the UK so customers have “greater power in their choices”, enabling them to support the nation’s farmers ‘quickly and easily’.

The MPs say the change could be achieved ‘by the click of a mouse’, with many shops already labelling British products, therefore the online change is simply bringing the produce to the fore in a 'one-stop online shop' for the public to better identify homegrown produce.

In a recent survey carried out by the National Farmers Union, 61% of respondent farmers stated the supply chain and market volatility have negative impacts on their mental health, with 80% of dairy farmers in a second NFU survey citing cash flow and profitability as key factors which throw the future of their business into doubt.

Farmers face an expensive harvest as domestic weather records – the driest February in 30 years, hottest June ever recorded and a notably wet July – as well as high import costs for energy, fuel and fertiliser threaten positive yields and profits.

The open letter champions the work of Britain’s farmers in ensuring food security, supporting strong local economies and preserving and protecting the environment, while empowering the public to be able to make easy choices in how they shop for their food.

Sally-Ann Hart, Member of Parliament for Hastings & Rye, said “I’m pleased to support this simple but important initiative. The 'Buy British' section is a convenient method for the public to support farmers, who work tirelessly to produce food for our country.

“It is understandable that the public is interested in learning more about the origins and production processes of their food. This straightforward website improvement makes it easier to identify food that is grown at home, which will benefit our local farmers in Hastings and Rye.”

Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said “The ‘Buy British’ section is a small and clear change which shows support for our farmers while allowing consumers to make an easy, informed choice.

“Farmers say the best way to support them is simple: buy British produce. Supermarkets are keen to support our food producers and we know the public want to play their part, but this easy signposting doesn’t currently exist for millions of people who do their food shop online.

“Buying British is good for local food producers, good for the environment and good for consumer choice. It’s a win all round.”

Minette Batters, President of the National Farmers Union, said “We have been asking retailers to commit to signposting British produce for a number of years, so it’s great to see MPs and their constituents getting behind the idea of a ‘Buy British tab’ online.

“We know from our own independent survey that 86% of the public want to buy more British food, but it is often tricky to determine what products are produced in the UK and this simple change would help the shoppers do that.”