Birmingham MP calls for supermarket watchdog in the next Queen's speech
Posted by Roger Godsiff, MP for Birmingham, Hall Green, at 11:50, Mon 6 February 2012:
Hall Green MP, Roger Godsiff, believes that the big supermarkets have grown too powerful and has written to the Business Secretary, Vince Cable, to ask him to introduce a Bill in the next Queen's speech to curb their powers.
Mr Godsiff said: "What we need is a watchdog with teeth; an adjudicator, that will ensure that the big supermarkets do not abuse their market position and potential stranglehold over suppliers, particularly in the UK. It is now four years since the Competition Commission concluded as much and yet, we are no further forward with this matter and hence my letter to Vince Cable.
“We need a watchdog that has the power to launch investigations and fine supermarkets. I have the feeling that governments of all complexions treat supermarkets with 'kid gloves' and ultimately it is the consumer and the UK producer which loses out to cheap imports, lower animal welfare standards and low-cost packaging, which the British consumer has to pay for to have disposed. I do not believe that environmental impacts are top of the list of concerns for the big supermarkets in the UK because it hits the bottom line and that cannot continue".
Mr Godsiff concluded: "I understand that a draft Bill to address this matter already exists and has been road tested by not just one but two select committees; it is now time to implement these measures without further delay".
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Posted by Paul Simmonds, 12:36, Mon 6 February 2012: (Is this post abusive?) #
I completely agree. Supermarkets are too powerful. People in Moseley tried to stop Tesco building here but every time we won they just came back with a new plan. They pushed through, disregarding strong local opposition.
Posted by Richard lakin-Inzunza, 17:25, Mon 6 February 2012: (Is this post abusive?) #
Maximum support! I do my own bit as well by refusing to purchase anything from Tesco, and I've made a few T-shirt designs and a linen bag transfer which is titled "Unfair Trade", and "Tes-god, we'll soon have your souls as well", etc! Email me for the free Jpegs so you can print your own on inkjet transfer paper!
Posted by Mohammed Hemraj, 11:52, Tue 7 February 2012: (Is this post abusive?) #
As I understand internet shopping has over taken both the retail and big supermarkets, although I admit that all supermarkets allow for internet shopping also. Supermarket is used as a convenience tool, all shopping at one go and free car park facilities which the retail shoppers lack. Shoppers need choice and attacking supermarket may not be a good thing for they provide goods, employment and pay tax. Competiton within the big supermarkets has meant the prices of goods sold have come down and this is good news for shoppers as under the present economic climate everyone is looking for a bargain.