Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has visited the Lush factory in Poole to support a new campaign urging people to back Dorset-made products.
During the visit, he helped make bath bombs and spoke about the importance of protecting local businesses from the effects of global trade tensions.
He was joined by Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade.
The ‘Buy Dorset’ campaign, led by Dorset’s Liberal Democrat MPs, is calling on the Government to encourage more support for locally sourced and produced goods.
The campaign is a response to growing concerns about the potential impact of international trade deals and tariffs, especially those linked to American beef imports and recent changes affecting British farmers.
At the Poole-based cosmetics company, Ed Davey was shown how Lush continues to use ingredients from around the local area, including seaweed from Poole Harbour and herbs from nearby towns.
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey MP said: “Business owners all across Dorset are understandably worried about the impact Donald Trump’s unpredictable tariff wars will mean for them.
“Dorset’s businesses are fizzing with energy and innovation, but the Conservatives and Reform are too wet and slippery to stand up for them against Trump’s trade war. I am proud of Dorset’s Liberal Democrat MPs for launching the ‘Buy Dorset’ campaign to support farmers and local businesses in the midst of this anxiety.
“It is imperative that the Government throws its weight behind British businesses, including those here in Dorset, and fully supports them through the uncertainty of Trump’s trade wars.
“That includes unleashing the potential of local businesses by reversing their damaging jobs tax and scrapping the family farm tax to help British farmers thrive for generations to come.”