MARK Jenkinson has secured a firm pledge from Morrisons that it will continue to back British farmers.
The former MP wrote to the Chief Executive of the supermarket giant shortly before the General Election was called amid concerns that a decision to restock New Zealand lamb marked a rolling back on earlier commitments to 100 per cent British produce.
Mark, who is the Conservative candidate for the Penrith and Solway constituency, but was then the MP for Workington, had asked for assurances that any imported produce will be displayed and advertised as such, and that it would not be stocked or marketed in such a way that could be confused with British produce.
Last year, the supermarket giant agreed to became one of the first UK stores to add a ‘Buy British Button’ to their online store following a campaign backed by Mark and launched by one of his colleagues, Dr Luke Evans.
Responding directly to Mark’s concerns, Morrisons’ CEO Rami Baitiéh wrote back with assurances that the supermarket would continue to back farmers not only in Cumbria, but across the UK.
Mr Baitiéh wrote: “Please be assured that this is not a step back on our commitment to buy British lamb from British farmers.
“New Zealand lamb will be clearly labelled and we will continue to strongly market British lamb and communicate its high quality.”
The CEO explained that the decision to restock New Zealand lamb was in response to feedback from the customers themselves who wanted to see more choice, particularly during peak times, including Easter and Christmas.
He added that Morrisons was committed to maintaining and growing support for the volume of lamb they buy directly from British farmers, with 100 per cent British lamb on butchers’ counters.
Responding to letter from the CEO, Mark said: “I take some reassurance from Morrisons’ commitment to continue supporting British farmers and to clearly label imported meat.
“However, in my own commitment to British farmers, I stand ready to hold the supermarkets to their promises – and, if necessary, their feet the fire.
“This means making any representations that may prove necessary to give our rural communities and businesses the support they need.”
