FAMILIES in Bradford are funding it "increasingly difficult" to make ends meet as they battle against rising food prices, a politician told Parliament.

Bradford East MP Imran Hussain questioned the Government's food policy, as he spoke of how his constituents were struggling with the costs of their weekly shop.

Mr Hussain, a Labour MP, said: "For my constituents in Bradford, food prices have soared along with the rising cost of living.

"The increase has recently reached a peak of 19.1 per cent —the biggest in almost 50 years—making it increasingly difficult for families in Bradford to make ends meet.

"What does the Minister have to say to my constituents, who are now paying far more for their weekly shop, not just because of inflation but because the Tory Government have failed over 14 years to implement a proper food strategy to support UK farmers, and have put in place damaging barriers to trade with the rest of Europe?"

Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, replied: "I have a really clear message for his constituents: we are sticking to the plan, which is bringing inflation down—that is what the Chancellor set out in the Budget; the numbers are clear on how inflation has come down—and we are not risking going back to square one, as the hon. Gentleman’s party would propose."