Conservative MP Mark Pritchard has warned that the rising cost of key ingredients under the Labour government threatens the traditional full English breakfast. Speaking in the Commons, Pritchard noted that prices for mushrooms, bacon, eggs, sausages, bread, tea, and milk have all increased, putting the staple at risk on high streets across the UK.
The warning came during an opposition day debate led by the Tories, who called for the abolition of business rates for thousands of retail, hospitality, and leisure premises. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith argued that the government should introduce 100% rates relief to protect 250,000 high street businesses from closure.
Businesses have raised alarms over rising costs, including energy bills, employment costs, and business rates. Pritchard emphasised that cafes play a vital role in bringing people to the high street, and losing the full English breakfast would be unforgivable. Griffith echoed the sentiment, stating that not only breakfast but also lunch, supper, and the great British pub are under threat.
Communities minister Miatta Fahnbulleh acknowledged the pressure on businesses but attributed it to 14 years of Conservative economic mismanagement. She insisted the government is taking action to address the economic reality. Liberal Democrat business spokeswoman Sarah Olney called for urgent measures to cut energy bills and replace business rates with a fairer system.
Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson signalled that the upcoming Budget would introduce permanently lower business rates for high street businesses. However, a Conservative motion to abolish business rates for high street premises was defeated by 321 votes to 106.
