Harrogate and Knaresborough MP “disappointment” by Government refusal to back ‘Buy British’ campaign

Local Liberal Democrat MP, Tom Gordon has expressed his disappointment at the Government’s rejection of their ‘Buy British’ campaign which encourages people in Harrogate and Knaresborough to buy local products as a way of standing tall against Trump’s trade war and to back businesses in the community as they deal with the fall out.

The Chancellor criticised the campaign as “inward looking” and said that the Government would not be backing it. In response, Tom Gordon reiterated his support for local businesses, pledging to continue the campaign regardless of the government’s position. 

Harrogate and Knaresborough have so many fantastic businesses, many of which Tom has visited since becoming elected. Time and time again, business owners have shared how challenging it is to stay afloat in the current economic climate – a situation made even tougher by the recent increase in employer National Insurance contributions. Now, with Trump’s tariffs looming, many small businesses face yet another blow. 

Tom and his Liberal Democrat colleagues are determined to see local businesses thrive. They believe our community, and our country, should stand united in showing that we won’t take Trump’s tariffs lying down. It’s deeply frustrating that the Government doesn’t share this commitment and continues to refuse support for their campaign. 

Commenting, Tom Gordon, said:

“Businesses here in Harrogate and Knaresborough will be feeling a real sense of disappointment that the Government has refused to back them in their time of need.

“Many of our local businesses are really worried about the damage that Trump’s trade war will do, especially after being hammered by the Chancellor’s jobs tax coming into force just days ago.

“I know people in our community are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with local businesses here in Harrogate and Knaresborough in their hour of need and ‘Buy British’. We Liberal Democrats will always have our local businesses’ backs and join with them to stand up to Trump’s assault on the global economy.”

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