Helen Morgan votes for Buy British amendment to support Shropshire businesses

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan has voted for a Liberal Democrat amendment in Parliament which would have forced the Government to back the party’s Buy British campaign, in an effort to help people stand up to Trump’s tariffs and back local businesses.

The Labour government voted down the proposals which would have created a campaign to promote goods made in the UK, and a new label marking British-made products and locally grown produce - from beer to broccoli.

The Liberal Democrats said it was crucial that this campaign is bolstered with pro-business policies to reduce the cost of doing business and stimulate demand for British products.

The Lib Dems have been calling on the Government to launch a broader Buy British campaign following Trump’s imposition of tariffs in April, giving everyone the opportunity to stand up to Trump’s bullying.

Helen met a variety of North Shropshire businesses and the Chamber of Commerce last week where she heard about the challenges firms are facing from the flawed business rates system and Labour’s increase to national insurance contributions.

In Canada, the “Buy Canadian” movement has seen a surge in people buying locally produced goods. The Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged people to “Buy Canadian” wherever they can. The Liberal Democrats said the UK government should be taking a similar approach, championing British businesses as they are threatened by Trump’s global trade war.

There is currently significant uncertainty around the status of Trump’s tariff policy. A US court first ruled to suspend them but another court has now temporarily reinstated them, with the ramifications leaving the Government's recent US trade deal up in the air.

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, said, “North Shropshire businesses need all the support they can get which is why it is so disappointing to see the Government leave them in the lurch like this.

“This amendment could have helped give British businesses the leg up they need after Trump’s senseless decisions.

“Our great local companies deserve as much recognition as possible and I will continue this campaign to back local businesses in the face of Trump’s tariffs and Labour’s shortsighted policies.”