Budget food tariffs: British farmers first, say Lib Dems

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Commenting on budget measures around food import tariffs, the Liberal Democrats have today said that tariffs will not cover the food inflation rate and ignore the immediate need for British food production support. 

Food inflation has risen again up to 2.9% in October, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), and the food industry itself warns it will persist for longer. The BRC warns that retailers can no longer absorb rising business costs, therefore tariff cuts alone will not stop prices climbing.

Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson, Sarah Dyke MP, said:

“We all want to see cheaper staples on the shelves, but any spare Treasury money must be used on British farmers first. Liberal Democrats would strengthen the Groceries Code Adjudicator, take on supermarket profiteering and back British farmers, so food is both affordable and homegrown.

“My Good Food Bill tackles the root cause: legally binding targets, ministerial accountability and independent oversight, so food security and stable prices don't depend on the next Budget. I urge the Government to back it.”

ENDS