John Stevenson chairman, APPG for Food Manufacturing
Carlisle MP John Stevenson has vigorously helped to raise the profile of food manufacturing amongst fellow MPs and ministers over the past year.
Helping to educate those who have traditionally failed to understand the importance of the sector to the nation’s economy – both as a generator of wealth and jobs – compared to what are seen as other ‘more glamorous’ manufacturing sectors over the past year.
It is safe to say he takes his role as chairman of the House of Commons All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Food Manufacturing very seriously. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t critical when he believes the industry needs to be told some home truths.
Over the past year the Conservative MP has even joined forces with opposition Labour politicians in fighting for the government to modify legislation to give the new Groceries Code Adjudicator the power to fine supermarkets when they have been found to have abused their power over their suppliers.
He also isn’t a fan of the traffic light front-of-pack nutrition labelling system – which he argues is too simplistic – despite it winning the support of government.
And he is against regulation to constrain levels of salt, fat and sugar in food and drink.
He has some major players, notably United Biscuits’ McVities plant and a 2 Sisters Food Group factory, as well as can maker Crown Bevcan, in his constituency – which explains why he confesses to being a Custard Cream biscuit fan.
Click here to read our full feature article with Stevenson.