The owner of Britain's cheapest fish and chip shop has criticised the Labour government after being forced to increase his bargain prices by 50 pence. Households across England are being warned of rising prices at fish and chip shops nationwide.
Steve Mathews, 59, previously sold a fish special – haddock, chips, and mushy peas, beans, curry, or gravy – for just £3. However, he has now had to raise the cost to £3.50. He blames the Labour government and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the increase.
Steve stated: "I am a local lad and I want my loyal customers to be able to afford to eat. But this government has made it harder and harder. All the rising costs have been difficult to cover, and I do not think the government has considered the consequences of their actions."
He explained: "We kept trying to hold back, but the dripping we fry the fish in has gone up, along with the wrapping paper, the wooden forks – everything. Then there are electricity, gas, and petrol prices. An extra 50 pence covers it. I do not want to charge more. I have to raise the price to pay my bills, and some customers suggested I could charge £4 or even £4.50, but there is no way I am doing that."
Steve also expressed strong political views, saying: "I think it is treason what Starmer is doing, trying to reverse Brexit." He added: "Pensioners were coming in, buying a fish and chips portion and sharing it because it was too big. I thought I could give them smaller portions and charge less. Nobody has complained. I think people see how expensive everything is these days. Many are struggling to put food on the table, but I am happy that I am giving families the chance to eat a nourishing meal at a price they can afford."
Industry warns of widespread closures
Amid rising energy costs and increased business rates, the National Federation of Fish Fryers has criticised the Labour government for lacking common sense. President Andrew Crook stated: "We are in danger of throwing our economy away to try to meet the arbitrary Net Zero goal. Independent fish and chip shops are feeling the brunt. The price of cod has doubled, and it is very difficult to turn a profit. We are seeing shops close. We have lost 1,500 in the past three years and expect many more to shut."
