The best way government can aid UK manufacturing is to cut unnecessary legislation, according to the president of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).
Ross Warburton, speaking at the FDF’s annual dinner last night, said superfluous levels of red tape “ultimately undermines the UK’s attractiveness as a place in which to invest in manufacturing.”
He said it is essential that government commits to shelving any new regulation or quasi-regulation for the food and drink sector while manufacturers battle against the economic downturn.
“I am not talking here about measures related to food safety,” said Warburton, “protecting consumers is our top priority and we will always work closely with regulators to ensure people can have trust in the food they are buying.
“But we are worried about the myriad of other legislative burdens, non-evidence-based interventions, excessive social regulation, regulatory creep as well as quasi-regulation dressed up as if it had legal power, which all impacts the way our members do business.”
Warburton said the food and drink industry is “twice as important” to the UK economy as the motor industry, “and, of course, we don’t ask for state handouts when things get tough!” he added.
