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Never forget that the debates in Westminster have real consequences. Politicians and their parties are not all the same. The Conservatives, for instance, undermine the public realm, the lives of the most vulnerable, and the values of our society. On the other hand, Labour aims to improve public services, enhance the public sphere, and uplift the living standards of those neglected by the Tories.
I am constantly taken aback by the destructive actions of the Tories. Their latest act of sabotage is their disregard for trading standards, a seemingly mundane and unnoticed service. It’s as if we can no longer assume that our rivers are free of sewage. Enfield council in North London is facing the threat of losing its entire trading standards department. Three members of the already understaffed team are being dismissed, and the remaining manager is resigning in protest. This issue is not one that can be handled by a single person. The provision of trading standards across the country has significantly declined, with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute reporting a loss of 2,500 skilled professionals in local government over the past decade. Enfield’s Labour council may not be solely responsible for this situation, as councils have been forced to make difficult choices due to severe budget cuts since 2010.
So, what exactly do trading standards officers (TSOs) do? They are responsible for enforcing over 290 pieces of legislation. They ensure the accuracy of scales in shops, clinics, and airports, as well as inspect various products and services, such as gas appliances, dangerous weapons, cosmetic fillers, and package holidays – just to name a few. However, the level of inspection has drastically decreased, leaving numerous areas of public life unregulated. TSOs even play a role in checking personal protective equipment (PPE) and inspecting cladding materials and electrical equipment to prevent tragedies like Grenfell.
I had the opportunity to meet Doug Love, a trading standards officer with over 30 years of experience in Hammersmith and Fulham. He showed me his warehouse of evidence waiting for court cases involving counterfeit goods, unsafe vapes, fake batteries, toxic cosmetics, and other dangerous items. Doug also shared stories of cases that took years to complete, including instances of anaphylactic shock due to allergens not listed on packaging. Sadly, inspections now only occur after complaints or specific intelligence is received.
Last week, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute conducted a spot check in Salford, uncovering alarming levels of hazardous substances in toys and fashion dolls. They warned that the cost of living crisis was driving people to purchase cheap and dangerous counterfeit goods, and this issue is likely widespread throughout the UK.
Smugglers, counterfeiters, and poisoners no longer need to focus solely on Enfield. Trading standards services across the country are strained, with the chair of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute stating that the UK is becoming “the dustbin of Europe.” Additionally, the UK’s lack of information sharing with EU countries on dangerous chemicals and products raises concerns about the safety of goods entering and leaving the country. It is clear that rigorous border checks on goods arriving from the EU are unlikely, and this could harm the reputation of the UK as a safe and trustworthy trading partner.
In conclusion, the deterioration of trading standards in the UK poses a threat to our civilization’s safety nets. It is crucial to recognize the impact of political decisions on essential services and organizations that protect consumers and uphold our values.
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