Ben Maguire MP Calls for Stronger Protections for Cornish Food and Drink

St Piran’s Day Push to Protect Cornish Produce

North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire has tabled an official Parliamentary motion to mark St Piran’s Day on 5th March, calling for much stronger protections for Cornish food and drink products.

The Liberal Democrat MP’s Early Day Motion has attracted cross-party backing from other MPs from Cornwall and beyond. It highlights the economic and cultural importance of Cornish produce and calls on the Government to introduce stronger safeguards so that products marketed as ‘Cornish’ are genuinely made in Cornwall.

Concerns Over Cornish Producers

The move comes amid growing concerns about the future of a number of Cornish food and drink producers. This includes the recent announcement of the proposed closure of Sharp’s Brewery in Rock.

Ben says stronger protections would help safeguard local jobs in his North Cornwall constituency, support independent Cornish food and drink businesses and help preserve Cornwall’s unique identity.

Previous Calls for Protection

Ben Maguire has previously lobbied for recognised protection of Cornish lobster following a visit to the National Lobster Hatchery in his North Cornwall constituency. The Government gave positive indications of this change. He is now hoping to widen protections to additional food and drink items.

What Ben Said

Commenting on the motion, Ben Maguire MP said:

“St Piran’s Day (Gool Peran) is the perfect time to celebrate everything that makes Cornwall so special, including of course the incredible food and drink we produce here in the Duchy.

“This is very much an issue that goes beyond party politics, and I’m glad to see Cornish MPs united in backing our local producers and protecting Cornwall’s identity. With so many pressures growing on local businesses, it’s now more important than ever for us to protect what makes Cornwall so unique.”

The Early Day Motion was tabled ahead of St Piran’s Day on Thursday 5th March.

The official Early Day Motion tabled by Ben Maguire MP, which has gained cross-party support, can be found here

📷Ben Maguire MP pouring a pint of local ale Bluntrock Gold, and with a Cornish Pasty