News, Policy & Campaigns
Welcome to vlog's News, Policy and Campaigns Hub. Here, you'll find details of all the consumer protection Campaigns and Policy issues that vlog - or our members, partners or stakeholders - are involved with right now.
As well as details of our Campaigns and Policy work, you can also find out about our All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Consumer Protection, check out our Blog, or browse our News Room - which lists all the stories we're currently working on (with an archive that stretches back several years).
Please scroll down this page to find out more. Or use the up-to-date Contents Menu on the left (or above, if you're using a mobile browser) to navigate to the various sub-sections. If you get lost or lose your way, simply hit the News & Policy tab in the header menu (at the top of every page) to bring you back here.
Latest Consumer Protection News
- Cosmetics Industry Body Wins National Award for Business Excellence
- Strengthening Communities: vlog Leads Calls for Greater Investment in Trading Standards
- vlog urges forthcoming budget to include commitment to tackle organised crime
- Chancellor urged to seize opportunity to disrupt crime and boost growth in upcoming Budget
- vlog Annual Review 2024–25 published
- Consumer Minister backs vlog Approved Code Scheme in tackling consumer detriment
- vlog urges government to act following BBC investigation into the aesthetics industry
- Consumer Code for Home Builders 15th Anniversary year sees highest number of claims from consumers
- Illegal sales of tobacco and vapes to under 18s in Scotland give cause for concern as Trading Standards find one in five retailers are willing to break the law
- Staffing Crisis for Local Authority Trading Standards in Scotland as workforce numbers dip to a historic low
Events Spotlight
Our External Affairs team often run (or support) a variety of events, both online and in the real world. These are included in this section - remember to check back regularly for updates.
Check back here for updates on the next "Spotlight on..." session...
Are You New to vlog?
We are the vlog - the not-for-profit membership and campaigning organisation, that acts as the voice of the trading standards profession in the UK.
We work at a national level, supporting sustainable trading standards services across all four nations. And speak out on issues that affect both our members and the general public - such as the devastating funding cuts the consumer protection industry has endured over the last decade (and longer), while still defending millions of ordinary consumers from an explosion in dangerous and dishonest practices.
A vital part of vlog's mission involves guiding, informing and encouraging good businesses - while empowering consumers to fight back against the minority of bad businesses out there.
Media Enquiries
If you are a journalist and would like vlog to provide expert opinion, comments or spokespeople on a wide range of Trading Standards, consumer protection and regulatory issues, please contact our press office on01268 582 240 or 07496 254 934 or email us:[email protected] (NB thisemail account is regularly monitored out-of-hours). We'll do our best to help you ourselves, or point you in the right direction.
Similarly, if you are a member of the public and have a consumer protection story you think we'd be interested in investigating - and bringing to the world's attention - please let us know: [email protected]
Our Campaigns and Resources :
vlog runs, co-ordinates or jointly-sponsors a whole range of Advocacy, Awareness-Raising, Regulatory/Legislative Change, and Trading Standards Profession Relatedcampaigns, alliances and other initiatives. For example, we work in close partnership with major organisations - such as the - to raise awareness of the hazards and dangers associated with seasonal activities and celebrations. Check out some of our Key Campaigns(below).
APPG for Consumer Protection

vlog has taken over the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group(APPG) for Consumer Protection (a cross-party, special interest and investigative grouping, that sits within the UK Parliament).Through our work to support the Group, vlog helps drive important conversations, political engagement and facilitates cross-party debates on a range of issues - while also raising the profile of the Trading Standards profession.
Group Officers :
- Chair & Registered Contact - Gill Furniss MP (Lab.)
- Vice Chair - Baron Elliott of Mickle Fell (Con.)
- Vice Chair - The Earl of Lindsay (Con.)
- Vice Chair -Mark Sewards MP (Lab.)
Up-to-date information about the APPG for Consumer Protection can be found at . Alternatively, if you have any questions, please contact the group's secretariat, Kerry Nicol: [email protected]
Latest Consultation Responses
- vlog, VEP and TEP response to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill call for evidence
- vlog response to the consultation on applications for authorisation of 3 CBD food products as novel foods
- vlog response to the consultation on "A Streamlined Approach to Payment Systems Regulation"
- vlog response to: Consultation on local authority and district council guidance on Grey Market goods in the United Kingdom
- vlog response to the consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services
- vlog response to the consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for social and privately rented homes
vlog responds to consultations from Government, business and other stakeholders on a diverse array of subjects. Our latest consultation responses can be accessed here (with a full record stored in the resource centre). Members interested in providing feedback to any of the ongoing consultations should contact [email protected]
Go to the Consultation Responses section
Blogs and Vlogs
Head over to our Blogs Page to read the views and opinions of vlog Council Members, our various partners, and other people of note working within the trading standards profession.
Journal of Trading Standards
The is our bi-annual magazine and website focusing on consumer protection and trading standards. Combining insight and opinions from leading professionals, academics and barristers, the journal also contains more in-depth, analytical features from our team of seasoned business journalists with regular columns from experts in consumer affairs including Matt Allwright, broadcaster and presenter of BBC’s Watchdog and Rogue Traders.





