Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, Sarah Dyke, is collaborating with her fellow Somerset MPs to launch a ‘buy Somerset, back Britain’ campaign, urging residents to support local businesses in the face of economic uncertainty following tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump.
Liberal Democrat MPs from across Somerset, including: Anna Sabine, Tessa Munt, Wera Hobhouse, Adam Dance and Gideon Amos joined Sarah in encouraging their communities to unite and champion local producers, farmers, and high street shops who face significant uncertainty from Trump’s damaging trade policies. The campaign aims to bolster local economic resilience by encouraging people across Somerset to shop locally to help local businesses prosper and stimulate rural economic growth.
On Tuesday, Liberal Democrats were dismayed when the Chancellor criticised the campaign as “inward looking” and said that the Government would not be backing the campaign. Local MPs said in response that they would “always have our local businesses’ back” and vowed to continue the campaign despite the Government’s shortsightedness.
Sarah Dyke MP said:
“Somerset’s local businesses are the heartbeat of our communities, and we must do all we can to support them in these challenging times. Buying locally isn’t just good for our economy; it strengthens our entire community. At a time of global volatility and further potentially damaging trade deals it’s crucial we support our farmers by ensuring fairness in the supply chain, because if we lose farms we risk losing our food security during such a critical period for national security.
“As Glastonbury and Somerton MP I will always champion our rural high streets and do everything I can to support farmers and local businesses who have been hammered over the last few years by spiralling costs, dire Conservative mismanagement, recent Labour Government policy and now this threat from America. Given these uncertain times and the likelihood of further global instability, we must keep our spending local where possible and strengthen our local economies.”
Anna Sabine, Liberal Democrat MP for Frome and East Somerset said:
“Somerset has an amazing range of producers and by supporting them, we support British farming and industry at a time it needs us most. With the current climate of global uncertainty, it’s more crucial than ever that we allow our world class farmers to continue to produce and ensure food security in Britain. Farmers are an integral part of rural life and we need to support them to prosper.”
MP for Taunton and Wellington, Gideon Amos added:
“Our small businesses are the backbone of the local economy. Standing up for those hard-working local firms, after the government’s damaging jobs tax and now Trump’s tariffs, has never been more important.
“It’s time to stand together and stand with our local businesses”.
Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath said:
“I’m pleased to be supporting the ‘buy Somerset, back Britain’ campaign. Buying local is so important to make sure local businesses survive, especially with Trump’s threats looming. The Farmers Market in Bath is a fantastic opportunity to buy local products from all around Bath every Saturday. Everything is wonderfully fresh delicious and healthy.
“Going shopping there also incredibly friendly and personal. Sellers seriously care about the quality of their produce and about their customers – shopping local is a win-win for our communities, farmers and economy.”
Meanwhile, MP for Yeovil, Adam Dance concurred saying:
“I’m proud to back the ‘buy Somerset, back Britain’ campaign. Our local producers, shopkeepers and farmers are the backbone of Somerset’s economy—and they need our support more than ever in the face of Trump’s damaging tariffs.
“I regularly hear from farmers in South Somerset who are deeply concerned about the impact of future trade deals. We need to champion British food and farming, protect our local businesses, and push the Government to scrap the jobs tax and fix the broken business rates system.”
MP for Wells and the Mendip Hills, Tessa Munt commented, saying:
“It’s time to stand up for our farmers, local businesspeople and traders on our high streets, as they face yet more uncertainty from the potential of even worse trade deals and Trump’s tariff announcement.
That’s why I’d urge people in this part of the West Country to spend their money locally, and support our local economy. Standing together, we can have a far greater impact and use whatever purchasing power we have vote to support our local businesses.”
The Liberal Democrats are urging the Labour government to swiftly introduce measures that will protect businesses across the county. Proposed actions include scrapping the jobs tax, reforming business rates to provide essential relief to local high street businesses, and introducing targeted support to help businesses navigate the economic turbulence caused by Trump’s trade policies.
Concerns have grown particularly acute for Somerset farmers following reports in The Times that a proposed agreement between Trump and the UK could drastically cut tariffs on US beef, chicken, and pork. Such moves risk further harming local farmers who are already struggling due to previous Conservative deals with Australia and New Zealand.
Sarah Dyke MP said:
“Our message as Somerset MPs is clear: buy Somerset, back Britain, and protect our farmers and local businesses from these reckless trade decisions. It’s disappointing that the Government is choosing not to back our local businesses in their time of need.”