Epsom & Ewell MP votes for Lib Dem ‘Buy British’ amendment to ‘back local businesses in the face of Trump’s tariffs’

Epsom & Ewell MP, Helen Maguire, has voted for a Liberal Democrat amendment in Parliament today 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 for firms wishing to adopt it marking British-made products and locally grown produce - from cars to cider. 

The Liberal Democrats say it is 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 Maguire MP, launched her “Buy Surrey, Back Britain” campaign in Leatherhead in March and has since visited a number of businesses in Epsom, Ewell and Ashtead, to encourage constituents to visit local businesses and buy locally-made produce. 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 Maguire expressed her disappointment at the Government’s failure to back the amendment saying that “businesses in Epsom & Ewell need all the support they can get in their hour of need”. She also vowed to “champion them at every step of the way” through her ‘Buy Surrey, Back Britain’ campaign. 

Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, Helen Maguire said: 

“Businesses in Epsom & Ewell need all the support they can get in their hour of need which is why it is so disappointing to see the Government leave them in the lurch like this. 

“From Ashtead to Leatherhead, I’ve spoken to dozens of business owners who have devastating choices to make in the face of rising business rates and National Insurance contributions. Now, Trump’s senseless decisions have forced us into a wave of uncertainty, creating additional concerns that businesses in Epsom & Ewell simply do not need. 

“This amendment would have backed our local businesses in the face of Trump’s tariffs and help give our businesses the leg up that they need. 

“Our great local businesses are the beating heart of our community, and I will continue to champion them at every step of the way through my ‘Buy Surrey, Back Britain’ campaign, to give all of them the best opportunity to succeed.”