The Labour Party has reportedly proposed that major supermarkets voluntarily cap the prices of everyday essentials such as eggs, bread, and milk. In return, the government would ease packaging policies and delay rule changes concerning healthy food. This arrangement would allow supermarkets to reinvest savings from scrapped regulations into freezing food prices, according to recent reports.
Supermarket Response
However, supermarkets have reacted with fury to the apparent proposals. The British Retail Consortium stated that such measures would 'force retailers to sell goods at a loss'. Retailers in Scotland recently condemned a similar policy by the Scottish National Party, which would have been mandatory, as a '1970s-style' gimmick.
Government Denial
Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson insisted today that 'this isn't something we're looking at' when asked about discussions with supermarkets regarding price caps. The government has not confirmed any formal negotiations on the matter.
A recent poll by the Daily Mail asked readers whether the government should impose such price controls. In a previous poll, 83% of over 9,000 respondents supported a pact between the Tories and Reform to avoid splitting by-election votes, while 17% opposed it.
