The Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP ) has successfully passed through its next parliamentary stage, after four hours of debate in parliament.

On Friday March 5, MP Albert Owen’s Private Members’ Bill received a vote of 44 in favour, with no votes against it, allowing for the bill to proceed from its Second Reading to the next legislative stage, where it will be considered by a committee.
Due to the general election, however, it is likely that a bill will fail to complete its legislative stages before this parliament is dissolved, according to the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
“The new GSCOP, working hand in hand with an ombudsman, should provide greater certainty for producers and mean that they have confidence to invest in their businesses, which will benefit consumers through increased choice and availability,” said NFU head of government affairs Terry Jones.
The introduction of the bill comes after the Competition Commission formally recommended to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills that it should establish an ombudsman to arbitrate on disputes between grocery retailers and suppliers and investigate complaints under the new GSCOP.