Buy British food - it's common sense

"The search for good, wholesome food is as basic an instinct as the need for warmth and shelter. So it's common sense to buy British - you know where it's been".

That was the message from Robert Key MP to his constituents shopping in Salisbury on Friday, as he supported local farmers at Waitrose supermarket.

He said, "I appeal to people to give Wiltshire farmers a fair chance. They produce food of the highest quality meeting every conceivable regulation - and to higher animal welfare standards than you'd find in foreign food. Yet too many local farmers are in financial trouble. That doesn't make sense. In Parliament we are pressing the Government to introduce labelling rules so we know what we're buying.

"The supermarkets are facing price wars. They are in listening mode. But it's not all about price. Consumers must make it clear on supermarket till rolls that we prefer wholesome Wiltshire meat and produce at the right price."

Robert Key added, "I won't be buying French meat because of what it might have been fed on. But general boycotts don't work and I have no quarrel with French produce for which there is no British substitute, nor with local shops who stock such French produce. The market works - let's use it."

NOTE TO EDITORS: You are invited to meet Robert Key and local farmers outside Waitrose on Churchill Way, Salisbury at 10.00 am on Friday 5th November 1999. We are grateful to Waitrose for their cooperation.

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