With the Government showing no sign of ordering a national
advertising campaign, similar to the £46 million spent on a Brexit
readiness campaign for an exit day that was subsequently delayed,
Labour has today called for creative and advertising agencies to
mobilise to help in the fight against panic buying.
Supermarket shelves are being emptied faster than they can be
replenished, and this is leading to vulnerable groups and
frontline NHS staff being unable to buy food and supplies. There
are particular concerns about difficulty in people buying baby
milk, non-prescription medicines, and foods for people with
allergies and special dietary requirements.
, Labour’s Shadow
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, said:
“Panic buying is causing real harm to vulnerable groups and
creating anxiety amongst all. We need people to shop sensibly and
that is why Labour has been calling for a new national
advertising campaign from the Government.
“Ministers have not reacted fast enough or far enough, and that
is why Labour is calling for a mobilisation of advertising and PR
agencies to create new TV adverts, newspaper, digital and
billboard advertising to take on panic buying. Those who
specialise in persuading us to buy products now have the
opportunity to save lives with their work. Please step up and
help. We need people to do the right thing at this time of
national crisis: shop sensibly, stay at home and slow the spread
of the virus.”
, Labour’s Shadow Culture
Secretary said:
“Britain has the very finest creative sector in the world. Many
people in the creative arts and digital sectors want to help and
put their skills to use. We need you now. While our frontline
staff help those with Covid-19, we need Britain’s creatives to
help the national effort and discourage panic buying and
encourage people to stay at home.”
As the numbers of people confirmed with the virus continue to
rise, Labour has today issued a ‘pitch’ to advertising agencies
calling for a national mobilisation on a pro bono basis to design
the campaigns that will help slow the spread and encourage people
to stay home and shop sensibly. Staying a safe distance from
other people and avoiding contact in public spaces are also
measures which will stop the chains of transmission.
Labour is also asking those advertisers to divert their
advertising budgets to support coronavirus messages at this time
of national crisis.
Anyone wishing to share their creative designs should share their
designs, freely and without copyright, but with attribution on
social media using the hashtag #covid19advert
#dontshoptillyoudrop
