This evening, the Blue Collar Conservatism group – joined by the Daily Express – will head to Sedgefield to meet businesses and discuss UK-made products. A debate will be held in Tony Blair’s old constituency, which turned blue in 2019 after Boris Johnson’s landslide victory.
A poll, which ran on Express.co.uk, from 12pm to 5pm today, asked whether the Britons would be willing to spend more on British-made products.
The poll received 7,471 votes and a staggering 94 percent (6,993) of readers voted in favour of spending more on UK products.
Only six percent (401) said ‘no’ and just 77 people opted for ‘don’t know’.
Responding in the comments section, one person said: “I would be absolutely 100 percent prepared to pay more for British products.
“I already actively support British farmers by buying locally grown produce.
“British-made products would be welcome.”
Another said: “When the UK entered the ‘Common Market’ food prices rose by about 20 percent.
“Now we are out of the EU we can start sourcing foods etc from our old Commonwealth friends.
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“However this would be as long as UK producers don’t start trying to artificially inflate prices!”
A final person said: “When I see the Union Jack on products it’s very satisfying to know we are producing no matter which product it is, so if you can buy British it makes sense to buy British.”
Tonight’s lively debate will kick off from 6.30pm with Tory MP Esther McVey, who is spearheading the five-day conference, being joined by fellow MPs Paul Howell and Dehenna Davidson.
Trade Secretary Grant Shapps will also be in the North East of England, where he will answer questions over products made in Britain, along with Tory MPs Paul Howell, Jacob Young, Richard Holden, Peter Gibson and Ben Houchen.
The debate comes following fears UK manufacturers are struggling to compete against cheap imported goods.
In 2016 more than £30.3billion of Britain’s food imports and £12.3billion of its food exports were with the EU, totalling almost £1,300 of trade.
But the coronavirus crisis has exposed Britain’s reliance on imports and it is hoped the production of critical goods will be bought back to the UK after Brexit.
Campaign group Make it British said Britain’s momentous exit from the bloc would mean British made goods could now carry a ‘Made in Britain’ label.
It said: “We were never keen on the plans to change the country of origin labelling so that British-made goods could no longer carry a ‘Made in Britain’ tag, so we can breathe a sigh of relief on that one now.”
Manufacturer John Edwards said Brexit has resulted in younger generations renewing their focus on buying British goods.
He said: “We’re quite passionate as a workforce, customers are looking for ‘made in Britain’ items.
“And I do think we’re getting the new generation, the younger generation now, with all the turbulence in the world, who are looking to purchase UK-manufactured products.
“The people in this part of the world have a lot of assets to offer and a lot of technical expertise, it just needs to be pushed and pushed, and pushed.
“The skill-set in the area is unbelievable, it’s just overlooked.”
Tune in to Express.co.uk at 6.30pm tonight for the big Blue Collar Conservatism debate.
