Local Euro MP Brian Simpson has called on the large supermarket chains to do more to help local farmers to do more to protect the environment and to help create more sustainable rural communities. 

Speaking in the European Parliament, Mr Simpson recognized that the large supermarkets had brought some benefits, but that they had also created many problems that needed to be addressed. 

“The growth of large multi-national supermarkets has led to the closure of many local bakeries, many local shops and a driving down of prices paid to farmers for their products.  If you add to this the environmental damage being caused by the over-packaging of supermarket goods and their obsession with plastic carrier bags, then I feel it is about time that they started to realise their social obligations as well as their profit margins” said Mr Simpson. 

Mr Simpson would like to see national governments and the European Union draw up a plan that would see the supermarkets supplying local corner shops, reducing the amount of packaging and paying a guaranteed minimum price to farmers. 

“Our supermarkets are making vast profits, but leaving a trail of rural, urban and environmental chaos behind them.  What they have done in the UK is now being practiced in Eastern Europe with the same results for farmers, small shopkeepers and bakers.  I believe the big supermarket chains are too big and need to be reigned in and reminded of their social responsibilities” concluded Mr Simpson.