Barry Fisher is absolutely right to praise the invaluable work of our MP, Sir John Hayes. (Voice 21/05/2019)
It is difficult to overstate just how much damage the proposed merger between Asda and Sainsbury’s would have done to local farmers, growers and food firms, many of whom are already struggling to get decent conditions and a fair price for their produce.
When the Competition and Markets Authority announced it has blocked the merger, it was a breath of fresh air for this rural community.
I do not believe the CMA would have felt empowered to act had it not been for the advocacy of the Chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Neil Parish and John Hayes – rare voices of vocal opposition amongst MPs.
Barry Fisher deserves great credit too. Many farmers and growers are understandably doubtful about speaking out about the damage retailers do to the food chain, fearing reprisals from the massive supermarkets, who are after all their customers. But Barry has been proved right.
Consumers too would have lost, as the CMA pointed out, with likely price rises and less choice about where to shop. The supermarkets having already conceded that if the merger went ahead they would close many stores.
Which is why it is so surprising that, according to the Chairman of the Agriculture Select Committee, the Adjudicator was not more active in opposing the merger or more keen to use and extend their powers.
Barry draws attention to the establishment of a Groceries Code Adjudicator – a potentially vital contribution to the protection of growers. I too am encouraged to see a strengthened Agriculture Bill, which I imagine Sir John worked very hard on.
Things finally feel like they’re heading in the right direction.
Thank you Sir John.
Keith Butters
via email
