MPs Launch ‘Buy Local, Back Britain’ Campaign to Support Businesses Hit by Trump’s Tariffs

Wiltshire Liberal Democrat MPs Dr Roz Savage, Sarah Gibson, and Dr Brian Matthew have launched the ‘Buy Local, Back Britain’ campaign to support local businesses following Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs on 2nd April. 

The Lib Dem MPs are encouraging people to back independent businesses, local producers, and high street shops facing disruption from Trump’s trade policies. They are also urging the Government to step up with immediate measures to protect businesses and jobs, including scrapping the jobs tax and overhauling business rates.  

Wiltshire farmers are particularly concerned after reports in The Times revealed that the UK Government is considering slashing tariffs on US beef, chicken, and pork in a proposed deal with Trump. This move risks undercutting British farmers yet again, following the damaging trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand.  

Economic experts estimate that Trump’s tariffs could wipe out up to 1% of the UK’s GDP, putting countless businesses at risk. The new US trade measures include a 10% tariff on UK exports and a 25% tariff on automotive exports - threatening jobs and investment in key industries.  

Roz, MP for South Cotswolds, said: 

“Local businesses are the backbone of our communities, but they are facing enormous pressures, with rising costs and tremendous uncertainty. Trump’s tariffs will make things even harder, and the Government must act now to support them.  

“I want to hear directly from those affected, so I’m putting out a call on social media asking businesses to email me with their concerns. I’ll also be visiting local businesses to understand how we can best support them and the challenges they are facing. We need practical solutions, and I’ll be pushing for reforms to business rates and trade policies to protect jobs and keep our high streets thriving.”  

Sarah, MP for Chippenham, added:  

"We must look after our small and medium-sized businesses. We’re incredibly fortunate to live in a part of the country where we can find employment and almost everything you need from excellent local businesses right on your doorstep. But these businesses are under immense pressure - from the National Insurance hike to the uncertainty surrounding the Employment Rights Bill, and now the added weight of these new trade barriers for those exporting. These are the kinds of issues that will add to business owners 3am worries, and they risk causing a downturn in productivity.   

Now is the time for bold action. Rather than scrabbling for crumbs from the USA, the Government must ease the red tape around access to the European market - our largest trading partner - and finally deliver clarity and support for the small businesses that keep our communities and economy going." 

Brian, MP for Melksham and Devizes, echoed these concerns:  

“People here in Melksham and Devizes are deeply concerned about the impact that Donald Trump’s disastrous trade war could have on our living standards and local businesses.  

That is why I am supporting this campaign, to encourage people to play their part in supporting our fantastic local businesses and high street shops at this difficult time. More broadly, I also want to see the government backing British companies such as Avon Protection in Melksham in their quest to boost our defence spending. Buying British would help to safeguard these skilled local jobs and help to keep our country safe.”  

The Liberal Democrats have set out a plan to support British businesses in the face of these challenges. They are calling on the Government to:  

• Scrap the jobs tax, which will hit businesses in the coming days.  
• Overhaul the broken business rates system to give high streets and manufacturers the breathing space they need to grow. 

With strong local support, the ‘Buy Local, Back Britain’ campaign aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of supporting businesses at this critical moment. By standing with local traders, producers, and manufacturers, the campaign seeks to ensure Wiltshire’s economy remains strong despite the external pressures it faces. 

ENDS