'Save Blackpool rock' - MP's plea to government
An MP is urging the government to help save a seaside resort's iconic sweet treat.
Blackpool South's new MP, Chris Webb, is highlighting the plight of Blackpool rock, after concerns about inferior imports and a skills shortage.
He said "factories are at risk of closure" after a reduction in sales following an influx of Chinese imports and explained only a small number of people left in the UK had the skills to "letter" the confectionery.
The leader of the Commons, Penny Mordaunt, said she would take his concerns to fellow ministers.
Mr Webb said: "Blackpool Rock is under threat from cheap imitation imports from China in particular, and I have joined Stanton & Novelty, a third-generation traditional confectionery manufacturer in my constituency, in leading the charge in safeguarding the status of British-made confectionery.
"Our seven remaining rock factories are at risk of closure and are experiencing a 40% drop in sales, which is jeopardising the livelihoods of local employees and the viability of historic businesses."
He said there were only 50 people in the UK who had the skills required to properly “letter” sticks of rock, most of them in Blackpool.
"These traditional skills will soon be lost without intervention," he said and called for a debate to discuss "securing our historic British confectionery" and "saving Blackpool rock".
Manufacturers had previously said the "heritage and tradition" of Blackpool rock was under threat from "inferior" Chinese imports and a shortage of skilled workers.
They called for the confectionery to be given protected status, similar to that given to Stilton cheese, Cornish clotted cream and Melton Mowbray pork pies.
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