Alicia Kearns MP 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, 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". 

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. 

An open letter to supermarkets in support of buying British online has been signed by over 100 MPs. Image credit: Alicia Kearns / Dr Luke Evans.

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said: "Farmers work tirelessly, around the clock, to produce food for our nation, and the 'Buy British' section is an easy and accessible way for the public to support them. 

"The British public know there's nothing better than British produce. This is a small step supermarkets could take to make clear that they're backing British farming and make it easier for all of us to buy high quality, locally made and environmentally more sustainable food and drink. When inflation is hitting our farmers and food producers, it's time for supermarkets to do more to support them. 

"I'm very fortunate to represent amazing food producers and farmers in Rutland and Melton, from Long Clawson Stilton to Dickinson and Morris pork pies, to Cidentro cider and Round Corner Brewing beers - I for one would use the 'British Produce' tab as my default - lets back our amazing farmers and food producers!" 

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." 

Do you buy British? Image credit: Nub News.

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