Future of the UK baking industry

That this House notes with concern recent media reports that Associated British Foods, parent company of Allied Bakeries which produces Kingsmill bread, are in talks over a potential merger with Hovis, owned by Endless LLP; further notes that this comes as a response to reports of unsustainable losses in the Allied Bakeries division; is concerned that any merger on this scale may result in restructuring, rationalisation or closures that could affect the job security and livelihoods of thousands of UK workers both directly employed and in the supply chain; is further concerned about the potential implications for competition in the UK bakery sector and possible impact on future UK food security; and therefore calls on the management of both businesses to engage immediately with the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers union and other recognised trade unions across their sites and undertake meaningful consultation prior to the agreement or implementation of any merger proposal.