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Groceries Code Adjudicator
03 June 2025
Lead MP
John Hayes
South Holland and The Deepings
Con
Responding Minister
Justin Madders
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Word Count: 12556
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
John Hayes raised concerns about groceries code adjudicator in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
He calls on the Government to take action through more regulated markets and supports the idea of a new groceries code regulatory authority with powers to introduce price floors and ceilings, ensuring fair prices for suppliers and consumers.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Sir John Hayes highlights that a near-monopoly supply of food provision has emerged, dominated by large supermarkets, which he argues breaks the food chain. He states this situation is not driven by consumer demand but rather market practices that reduce choice for consumers and producers alike.
Orkney and Shetland
He agrees with Sir John Hayes on the need for reform in the groceries sector, advocating for a single regulator from farm gate to supermarket shelves. He expressed concern over the lack of response from the Groceries Code Adjudicator.
St Ives
Calls for regulation of the market when it goes wrong and supports beefing up GCA powers to ensure fair treatment of farmers and consumers.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Calls for stronger protection of farmers from powerful retailers and processors, emphasizing that farmers are treated as shock absorbers and receive the least reward despite carrying all the risk.
Dave Robertson
Lab
Lichfield
Advocates for extending the GCA's reach down the supply chain to protect producers and farmers who take significant risks but do not always see a commensurate return in profits.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Welsh farmers face falling incomes despite inflation due to market power imbalances; the GCA needs more authority to launch independent investigations and cover all supply chain roles.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Acknowledges the positive actions taken by supermarkets such as Tesco and Asda in providing near-end-of-shelf-life goods to local community groups, which helps families below the poverty level. The GCA's importance is highlighted by Northern Ireland’s economic conditions. Farmers face financial pressure due to grocery inflation, which has risen to 4.1%, and the need for fair trade practices.
Justin Madders
Lab
Crewe and Nantwich
Congratulates the lead MP on securing debate; discusses ongoing statutory review and lack of fines by GCA due to focus on compliance. Explained the statutory review's focus on powers and duties of the GCA as set out in the Groceries Code Adjudicator Act 2013.
Orkney and Shetland
Agrees with Sir John Hayes on the issues faced by producers due to supermarket demands, highlighting an example of livestock farmers being forced to conform to specific specifications that lead to waste.
Carmichael
Lab
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
Highlights the need for a holistic approach rather than limited reviews; mentions decline in small abattoirs from 2,500 to hundreds due to supermarket pressures.
Tiverton and Minehead
Suggests that the remit of the Groceries Code Adjudicator is too narrow and proposes a new groceries code regulatory authority with powers to set price floors and ceilings.
Salford
Agrees with the right hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings that the groceries supply code of practice is inadequate in protecting suppliers from unfair purchasing practices, leading to bankruptcy and undermining competition. She supports the proposal for a new groceries regulator authority with powers to protect suppliers and consumers from aggressive pricing tactics. She also highlighted the importance of addressing food insecurity and workers' rights.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Suggests reducing the £1 billion turnover threshold that marks compliance with the GCA's code to include more retailers. Expresses concern about unfair contract practices and the risks borne by growers.
Sadik Al-Hassan
Lab
North Somerset
Farmers seek fair treatment without relying on state subsidies; they want a balanced market that ensures high-quality produce receives fair pricing through revisiting the Groceries Supply Code of Practice and GCA.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
English farms have declined by nearly a quarter in 20 years, particularly dairy farms; farmers face multiple challenges including Brexit impacts, energy prices, and exploitation by supermarkets focusing on cheap food. Asked for a ministerial intervention but was declined by Justin Madders due to time constraints.
North Norfolk
Farmers in North Norfolk struggle due to trade deals, budget cuts, and declining farm profitability. Groceries Code Adjudicator needs teeth and should pursue policy goals like healthier food alternatives.
Government Response
Justin Madders
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Government Response
Responds to the statutory review dictated by legislation introduced during previous government; acknowledges need for a more holistic approach involving DEFRA, GCA, and ASCA. Explains that the code applies only to designated retailers with an annual turnover of £1 billion or more.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.