'Buying fake goods can harm your health and undermines the UK economy' says South East Euro MP Sharon Bowles (South East Region Liberal Democrats)

South East Region Liberal Democrats <info@southeastlibdems.org.uk>

'Buying fake goods can harm your health and undermines the UK economy' says South East Euro MP Sharon Bowles

January 6, 2012 9:37 AM
Originally published by Sharon Bowles MEP

Sharon Bowles MEP, who represents South East England in the European Parliament, has expressed concerns that fake goods, including medicines, alcoholic drinks and cosmetics, are not only putting consumers' health at risk but also harming the UK economy, as recent examples have shown.

In 2007 the UK Government's medicines watchdog issued a recall of thousands of drugs used by the NHS to treat stroke patients, men with prostate cancer and schizophrenics because the drugs were discovered to be counterfeit.

In the run-up to Christmas last year, it is believed that 165,000 bottles of fake vodka were distributed by a criminal gang to shops across the UK- tests revealed high levels of methanol which can cause blindness if consumed in large quantities.

In addition to fake goods, there is also a significant black market in smuggled goods, especially drink and cigarettes.

Sharon Bowles MEP, said:

"I am very concerned by the damage done to both consumers and the UK economy by the sale and purchase of counterfeit goods, many of which are shoddily made and, in some cases, pose a serious health risk.

"With smuggled goods and black market outlets, VAT and other taxes are also avoided - money which could be used to pay for the NHS and social care, services which many people rely on.

"Reports by the International Chamber of Commerce put the annual cost of counterfeiting to the global economy at £386 billion, which is more than the bailouts of Ireland, Portugal and Greece put together.

"Making sure of your sources and paying VAT and other taxes on goods may not be the most popular New Year's message but the UK is losing out to criminal gangs and counterfeiters so it is worth highlighting."

ENDS