MP Bob Seely has signed an open letter from over 100 MPs calling on supermarkets to highlight the very best of British produce by incorporating a ‘Buy British’ section online.
The letter, written 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.
Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said: “I supported this important initiative because farmers work tirelessly, from dawn until dusk, to produce food for us to eat, so, in return, we need to support them, and one way we can do this is to make sure consumers have the option to buy British produce online as well as in shops.
“Supporting our local farmers and food producers is important for 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.
“We know people want to know more about where their food comes from and how it is produced. Here on the Island, we also want to support our Island farmers and food producers. This simple change on a webpage would help to ensure homegrown food is easily identifiable, something I wholeheartedly support.”
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.”
