Edward Davey under pressure from MPs to regulate supermarkets

MPs from all three main political parties were in attendance to show their support for tougher regulation of supermarkets and press the minister for an explanation as to why we are still waiting for the ombudsman, now known as the Grocery Code Adjudicator (GCA). As Albert Owen MP said ‘I want the Minister to explain why the issue is so difficult. It has cross-party support and consensus, and a broad coalition of groups outside the House supports it’. Traidcraft and other organisations are credited for gathering ‘cross-party support, which led to the inclusion of the concept of an adjudicator in each of the three big parties' 2010 general election manifestos’’.

There were also concerns expressed about the remit and capabilities of the GCA. As Gavin Williamson MP said ‘it is absolutely crucial that an adjudicator has teeth… and the ability to fine’.

In response, Edward Davey promised that a draft bill to establish the GCA will be released in early May – although this was originally due to be published before Easter. Traidcraft will be watching closely to ensure that there are no further delays and to make sure that the GCA has all the power it needs to protect the needs of suppliers and farmers overseas.

You can read the full debate here.