Davy Markham - Lib Dem Leader in factory visit to back buy British call

Mr Clegg visited Davy Markham in Darnall, Sheffield, which is one of the largest engineering workshops in Europe, and said spending money at home was the best way to kick-start the economy.

He was joined by Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable to call for a new labelling scheme which would identify British-made goods.

The pair also unveiled a series of other demands which they said would help struggling small businesses, including a substantial cut in interest rates and help with energy bills,

Mr Clegg, who represents the Sheffield Hallam constituency at Westminster, said: "Economic recovery starts at home, so consumers should be proud to buy British and buy local.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and are crucial to bringing Britain through the recession. Our package of measures will give them greater protection against the consequences of bankers' mistakes.

"Restoring growth comes from putting money into people's pockers, through interest rate cuts and tax cuts. To have the greatest effect that money needs to be spent here, stimulating demand for British business."

The Liberal Democrat labelling plan follows in the wake of the Yorkshire Post Clearly British campaign which has been calling for clearer labels on food products.

The aim of the campaign, which has been backed by farmers and the Conservative leader David Cameron, is to secure clear, unambiguous labelling of where meat is from in shops and restaurants.

 

Published by the Yorkshire Post on 24 October 2008.