HUDDERSFIELD’S MP has called for Tesco to be broken up.
Barry Sheerman believes the retail giant has a “dangerous” monopoly position.
The Labour MP strongly opposes Tesco’s plan to build a new store on the site of Huddersfield Sports Centre.
Mr Sheerman said: “I think Tesco’s size has got out of hand and it has to be dealt with. By any definition it has a monopoly position in the market and all monopolies are dangerous.
“I look forward to the day we have the courage to say ‘no more’ and split it in two.”
Mr Sheerman believes Tesco has too many stores in Huddersfield.
He said: “If you look at Dalton, they have a shop on Broad Lane and another on Long Lane. On top of that they want a massive new store just up the road from Dalton in the town centre.
“Tesco are on every road going out of Huddersfield.”
Mr Sheerman added: “Monopolies breed contempt for the consumer. Within five to 10 years we will have to act and I think it should be sooner rather than later.”
A Tesco spokeswoman defended the company.
She said: “We are surprised at Mr Sheerman’s comments, especially considering the Competition Commission’s extensive two-year inquiry into the UK groceries industry recently concluded that, on the whole, competition in the industry is effective and delivering a good deal for customers.
“In fact the commission specifically found that Tesco does not have an unassailable position in the market.
“We open up stores where we believe there is customer demand for them. The market is extremely competitive. Retailers compete every day for customers and this fierce competition has brought about numerous benefits for customers such as low prices, better quality and information and a wider range of products.”
The spokeswoman added: “Huddersfield supports a wide selection of stores. Customers are able to choose between a diverse range of retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Lidl, Aldi, Marks and Spencer, Iceland and Co-op as well as numerous other independent stores and markets.”
