A NEW ‘Buy Stratford, Back Britain’ campaign to support local businesses has been launched in the wake of tariffs announced by US president Donald Trump.
Stratford MP Manuela Perteghella is urging residents to rally behind Stratford’s independent shops, producers, and manufacturers as concerns grow over the impact of Trump’s escalating trade war, which could see ten per cent tariffs imposed on UK exports and 25 per cent on automotive goods.
The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to urgently act to protect local businesses from the fallout, including scrapping the incoming “jobs tax” on employers and reforming the business rates system — both of which, the party say, are holding back growth on the high street and across the rural economy.
Dr Perteghella visited Papersky Framing on Rother Street in Stratford to hear first-hand from local business owner Paul Buck about the challenges his business is facing.
Paul said: “We first got started in 2003. Since then we’ve weathered our fair share of storms — from the financial crash to Brexit and then the Covid pandemic. But honestly, this is the toughest year we’ve ever faced.
“Costs are up, footfall is down. Local businesses are being squeezed in every direction, and now we face even more uncertainty.
“That’s why it’s good to see campaigns like Buy Stratford, Back Britain so that we can give local businesses and industry the boost we need.”
Dr Perteghella added: “People in Stratford are rightly worried about the impact Donald Trump’s disastrous trade war could have on our economy, our businesses, and our way of life.
“That’s why I’m launching the Buy Stratford, Back Britain campaign — to encourage everyone to support our brilliant local businesses, from independent shops to family farms and small manufacturers.
“This must include our farmers, who are once again being sold out by a trade deal that threatens to undercut them — just like the Conservatives’ damaging agreements with Australia and New Zealand.
“The Government must finally step up and give our local economy the backing it needs — by scrapping the jobs tax and fixing business rates to help unlock the full potential of our high streets and rural communities.”
