IN these tough economic times local businesses and farmers need our support. “Shop local”

are more than just buzzwords; they now relate to the survival of local shops and businesses. This is not nanny-statism – the hallmark of the current Labour Government – but about being able to make an informed choice when shopping.

Conservative MEPs want to see clearer labelling of food.

Under current legislation people can buy, for example, a chicken sandwich which may say “Produced in the UK” on it. As long as the meat is put between two pieces of bread in the UK it can be labelled as such – even if the chicken is from Thailand.

This is misleading and unacceptable. Many people think they are buying British when they are buying anything but.

Food such as beef and fish, when bought on its own, is properly labelled, but most processed food is not.

We are campaigning to have legislation changed to reflect the choice and clarity that consumers expect. We want people to know that if it says “Produced in Britain” on the label, the central ingredient is at least of British origin. I would ask people to support us.

Timothy Kirkhope, Yorkshire and the Humber MEP and Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament,