Trade bodies welcome new PM but urge focus on industry challenges

Trade bodies have welcomed the arrival of a new Prime Minister with optimism but have warned Keir Starmer and his newly appointed government that there’s plenty to do to keep the industry productive.

Karen Betts, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation issued congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer MP and Labour on the decisive election victory.

“The food and drink industry is looking forward to working in active partnership with the new government as collectively we address the big challenges the food system is facing and create opportunities from them, for individuals, families, communities and our economy,” she said of the election result.

She said with the right conditions, the industry can boost investment, productivity, innovation and growth across our economy.

“There is huge scope to improve trade too, and to grow skills everywhere throughout the country, offering more people good jobs and great careers in a sector that’s central to everyone’s everyday lives,” Betts said of the Federation’s stance. “This will improve the resilience of our sector and food security in the UK, as well as contributing to food security in other countries.”

Betts added that the FDF wants to work closely with government to move further and faster towards a more sustainable food system, which achieves net zero and protects nature, while improving the environment by driving up recycling and establishing a successful circular economy.

She continued: “And we know we have a responsibility to work actively with government and others in helping people to adopt healthier diets and lifestyles, to help improve everyone’s overall health.”

In reacting to the election result, Rupert Ashby, CEO of the British Frozen Food Federation, said the new government faces significant challenges relating to the food industry, including tackling the cost-of-living crisis, promoting healthier lifestyles and working towards vital environmental targets.

“Frozen food has a key role to play in all of these areas, but there are some key priorities that need to be addressed to maximise the impact we can have,” he says if the sector’s value.

“These include streamlining the regulations around food packaging, modifying the plastic packaging tax (PPT) scheme and improving the processes around import and export of food, which are currently creating a large financial and administrative burden for businesses.
“We’re looking forward to collaborating with the new administration and lending our support where possible to work towards a more sustainable, healthy and prosperous UK.”

UKHospitality is urging the Labour Party to deliver on its manifesto commitments to replace business rates and reform the Apprenticeship Levy in the first 100 days of government.

In its manifesto, the Labour Party committed to:

• Replacing the business rates system in England and level the playing field between high street businesses and online giants.
• Reforming the Apprenticeship Levy by creating a Growth and Skills Levy.

Post-congratulations, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “We look forward to working with the new Labour Government, which during the campaign has clearly recognised hospitality’s role serving Britain and creating places where people want to live, work and invest.

“We now need to see this followed up with action in the first 100 days. Delivering on manifesto commitments to replace business rates and reform the Apprenticeship Levy would be a clear sign that the Government backs hospitality as the central pillar of the everyday economy.

“Swiftly addressing business rates would fulfil a longstanding ask of the sector and avoid a cliff-edge in April, when current relief is set to end and rates are due to increase again.

“Hospitality, with its presence in every constituency, can act as a powerhouse for driving economic growth, creating new jobs and regenerating our towns and cities. I look forward to working in partnership with the new Government to help deliver its manifesto commitments and realise hospitality’s growth ambitions.”

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