Kemi Badenoch has called on the nation to “Buy British” as fears mount over job losses, rising taxes, and Donald Trump’s tariffs hitting UK businesses. Speaking to the Daily Express, she didn’t hold back, warning that buying British won’t even be possible “if British jobs are going” and local firms are forced to shut down.
She slammed what she sees as poor economic decisions by the Labour government, saying: “We can’t buy British if British jobs are going and if British companies are closing because of the jobs tax.” Her comments come as the US slaps a blanket 10% tariff on almost all UK goods entering the States—bad news for exporters already dealing with shaky confidence and rising costs.
While Badenoch insists she “always” buys British and prefers to buy local, she’s worried current policies are killing the very industries people are trying to support. Inflation is up, and growth is down, and she believes it’s only getting worse unless things change quickly.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has dismissed the idea of a formal “Buy British” campaign, arguing that turning inwards could damage trade and global relationships. But Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering changes to procurement rules to give UK companies a leg up when bidding for government contracts—especially in areas like infrastructure, offshore wind, and defence.
Ministers have also temporarily suspended tariffs on 89 products, including essentials like plywood, plastics, pasta, and fruit juice, in an attempt to ease the cost of living. But critics say that’s not enough.
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith didn’t mince words, calling the Labour government “punishing” and accusing it of waging a war on business. “They don’t understand business and they never will,” he told the Daily Express. He warned that family-run farms and small businesses are being hit with what he called a “lethal one-two punch.”
Farmers, too, are raising the alarm. Recent changes to property relief rules mean those with over £1 million in assets could face a steep 20% tax rate from 2026. Many say they’ll be forced to sell land just to cover the bill—land that’s vital for UK food production.
Ben Aveling, a farmer, said: “Buying British produce not only supports the nation’s farmers, but it also supports food security for the future.” Another, Olly Harrison, added, “If people don’t use UK agriculture, it won’t be here in the future.”
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