A NUMBER of county MPs have united to launch a ‘Buy Somerset, Back Britain’ campaign – in a response to the threat of tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump.

As the UK and nations across the globe stare down a sweeping minimum 10% import tax on goods sent to the US, Liberal Democrats in the county are calling on shoppers to back local businesses.

MPs involved include Sarah Dyke (Glastonbury & Somerton), Anna Sabine (Frome & East Somerset), Tessa Munt (Wells & the Mendip Hills), Wera Hobhouse (Bath), Adam Dance (Yeovil) and Gideon Amos (Taunton & Wellington).

They are encouraging constituents to unite and champion county producers, farmers, and high street shops who face significant uncertainty from Trump’s trade policies.

The campaign aims to bolster local economic resilience by encouraging people across Somerset to shop locally to help local businesses prosper and stimulate rural economic growth.

It comes after, earlier this week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said calls for a nationwide effort to buy local risked making the UK appear “inward-looking”.

READ MORE: Politics news from your Somerset Leveller

A similar initiative was launched in Canada after Trump imposed tariffs on the US neighbour.

But when asked by Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper whether the government would “commit to a ‘buy British’ campaign as part of a broader national effort to encourage people to buy British here at home”, Reeves declined.

She said: “In terms of buying British, I think everyone will make their own decisions. What we don’t want to see is a trade war, with Britain becoming inward-looking, because if every country in the world decided that they only wanted to buy things produced in their country, that is not a good way forward.”

Ms Dyke said: “Somerset’s local businesses are the heartbeat of our communities, and we must do all we can to support them in these challenging times.

“Buying locally isn’t just good for our economy; it strengthens our entire community.

“At a time of global volatility and further potentially damaging trade deals it’s crucial we support our farmers by ensuring fairness in the supply chain, because if we lose farms we risk losing our food security during such a critical period for national security.

“As Glastonbury and Somerton MP I will always champion our rural high streets and do everything I can to support farmers and local businesses who have been hammered over the last few years by spiralling costs, dire Conservative mismanagement, recent Labour Government policy and now this threat from America.

“Given these uncertain times and the likelihood of further global instability, we must keep our spending local where possible and strengthen our local economies.”

The sentiment was echoed by Ms Sabine, who said: “Somerset has an amazing range of producers and by supporting them, we support British farming and industry at a time it needs us most.

“With the current climate of global uncertainty, it’s more crucial than ever that we allow our world class farmers to continue to produce and ensure food security in Britain.

“Farmers are an integral part of rural life and we need to support them to prosper.”

MP for Taunton and Wellington, Gideon Amos, added: “Our small businesses are the backbone of the local economy.

“Standing up for those hard-working local firms, after the government’s damaging jobs tax and now Trump’s tariffs, has never been more important.

“It’s time to stand together and stand with our local businesses.”

Gideon Amos and Sarah Dyke are among Somerset MPs launching the campaign

In Bath, MP Wera Hobhouse said: “I’m pleased to be supporting the ‘buy Somerset, back Britain’ campaign. Buying local is so important to make sure local businesses survive, especially with Trump’s threats looming.

“The Farmers Market in Bath is a fantastic opportunity to buy local products from all around Bath every Saturday. Everything is wonderfully fresh delicious and healthy.

“Going shopping there also incredibly friendly and personal. Sellers seriously care about the quality of their produce and about their customers – shopping local is a win-win for our communities, farmers and economy.”

Meanwhile MP for Yeovil, Adam Dance, said the effort would “champion” British food and farming.

“Our local producers, shopkeepers and farmers are the backbone of Somerset’s economy — and they need our support more than ever in the face of Trump’s damaging tariffs,” he said.

“I regularly hear from farmers in South Somerset who are deeply concerned about the impact of future trade deals.

“We need to champion British food and farming, protect our local businesses, and push the Government to scrap the jobs tax and fix the broken business rates system.”

Ms Munt added: “It’s time to stand up for our farmers, local businesspeople and traders on our high streets, as they face yet more uncertainty from the potential of even worse trade deals and Trump’s tariff announcement.

“That’s why I’d urge people in this part of the West Country to spend their money locally, and support our local economy.

“Standing together, we can have a far greater impact and use whatever purchasing power we have vote to support our local businesses.”

The Lib Dems have called on the government to introduce measures to protect UK businesses, including scrapping changes to national insurance contributions, reforming business rates, and introducing targeted support to help businesses navigate the economic turbulence caused by Trump’s trade policies.

Farmers are at the heart of the issue, amid concerns a proposed trade agreement between Trump and the UK could cut tariffs on US beef, chicken, and pork.

READ MORE: Farming news from your Somerset Leveller

Ms Dyke, herself from a Somerset farming family, added: “Our message as Somerset MPs is clear: buy Somerset, back Britain, and protect our farmers and local businesses from these reckless trade decisions.

“It’s disappointing that the Government is choosing not to back our local businesses in their time of need.”

At the start of the week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the government would step in to support UK business as “global trade is being transformed”.

He introduced plans to ease the impact of the electric vehicle transition on carmakers, and vowed to “back British brilliance”.

“Global trade is being transformed so we must go further and faster in reshaping our economy and our country through our plan for change,” he said.

“I am determined to back British brilliance. Now more than ever UK businesses and working people need a government that steps up, not stands aside. That means action, not words.”

While the US president has placed a 90-day pause on many tariff increases, a sweeping 10% rate is set to continue, while China will still face tariffs of more than 120% on imports.