The MP is urging the Labour Government to recognise the bakery industry as a critical part of the food supply chain. “I am also pushing Ministers to ensure intensive baking and milling businesses are eligible for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS); and to reduce financially laden regulatory commitments for employers.”

Ms Lockhart’s comments come following a productive meeting in Westminster with constituent, Brian Irwin, director of Irwin’s Bakery in Portadown.

Mr Irwin is also chairman of the Federation of Bakers, and was one of a panel of leading industry representatives who addressed MP’s at a recent All Party Parliamentary Group meeting in the House of Commons.  

The panel outlined challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and are lobbying the Government to act briskly to safeguard and strengthen this vital and historic industry.

Carla Lockhart MP said: “The bakery industry ensures supermarket shelves are stocked on a daily basis with an array of essential products including bread, rolls, wraps, pancakes, crumpets, and local favourites such as soda bread and potato farls.

“During the pandemic, the resilience and reliability of bakery businesses played a critical role in maintaining food supply and preventing widespread panic.

“The sector contributes more than £6.65 billion annually in supermarket retail sales and delivers over 12.5 million units of bread and morning goods every single day of the year. Across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the bakery industry supports over 80,000 jobs, including around 4,500 in Northern Ireland.”

“However, like many others, this vital industry is facing unprecedented challenges,” she said.  “Rising energy and fuel prices, packaging expenses, haulage pressures, and volatility in wheat and raw ingredient markets - largely driven by global geopolitical instability - are placing enormous strain on bakery businesses across the UK.”

“Over 75% of the wheat used in UK bread is sourced nationally and locally from farmers, but the arable sector is also experiencing financial and weather-related challenges.”

Bread remains one of the most affordable and nutritious staple foods available to families. The DUP Agriculture spokesperson said: “Cereals and cereal products provide between 43% and 50% of daily fibre intake across all age groups, while bread is an essential source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Bakeries continues to deliver outstanding value food to consumers despite severe inflationary pressures.

“The sector is fundamental to food security and social stability, particularly during periods of supply chain disruption. Inclusion within the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) could reduce bakery electricity costs by up to 25% by 2027.

The MP said that Government must also consider the cumulative impact of additional regulatory burdens on employers, including increases in wages and National Insurance contributions, the Employment Rights Bill, packaging costs, and unrealistic Net Zero targets that continue to drive up energy bills and food inflation.

She said: “At a time when households are already struggling with the cost of living, it is essential that Parliament brings forward practical policies to mitigate inflationary pressures, support energy-intensive industries, and protect the long-term sustainability of our bakery sector.

“Finally, it is important that we continue to defend the robust scientific advice and food protections provided by the Food Standards Agency and SACN against misleading commentary which risks undermining consumer confidence in staple foods that are both safe and nutritious.

“Northern Ireland’s bakery industry is a source of pride, innovation, and employment. It deserves support, recognition, and practical action from Government.”