The Competition Commission today published a new strengthened code of practice for supermarkets but said the decision to set up an Ombudsman to enforce it would need to be taken by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS).

Responding to the announcement, ActionAid Campaigner Jenny Ricks said: “Lord Mandelson must now take a swift decision to honour the Competition Commission’s recommendation of an Ombudsman. Anything less would make the new strengthened code of practice for supermarkets pointless and unenforceable.

“Despite being found guilty of abusing their power over suppliers after a two year inquiry, all the major UK supermarkets, except for Waitrose, refused to voluntarily accept the Commission’s recommendations. The ball is now well and truly in the Mandelson’s court. The question is, is he prepared to stand up to Britain’s biggest retailers to introduce a move that would benefit consumers, producers and workers?”