Woking MP votes for Lib Dem ‘Buy British’ amendment to “back local businesses in the face of Trump’s tariffs”

Woking MP Will Forster has voted for a Liberal Democrat amendment in Parliament yesterday 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 support 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 Lib Dems said it was 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. 

Will Forster has already launched a “Buy Woking, Back Britain” initiative, visiting local businesses including local drinks brand Thirsty Work, Thurstons Brewery, and Browns of Woking butchers to hear first-hand about the challenges they are facing. He has said the campaign is about “giving local people the tools to support local businesses and send a message that Woking is open for business – and proud to back British.”  

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.  

Will Forster expressed his disappointment at the Government’s failure to back the amendment, saying that “Woking’s businesses need all the support they can get in their hour of need.” He also vowed to continue his campaign to “back local businesses in the face of Trump’s tariffs” and promote the area’s companies wherever he could. 

Lib Dem MP for Woking, Will Forster, said: 

“Woking’s businesses 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. 

“This amendment could have helped give our businesses the leg up that they need after Trump’s senseless decisions have forced us into this wave of uncertainty. 

“Our great local companies deserve as much recognition as possible and I will continue this campaign to back local businesses in the face of Trump’s tariffs, giving all of them the best opportunity to succeed.”