The UK's largest supermarkets are calling on the chancellor to exclude stores from a new business rates surtax, warning that shoppers will bear the brunt of higher prices.

Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Morrisons, Asda, Aldi and Lidl are among the stores that have signed a letter addressed to Rachel Reeves , arguing that easing taxes on grocers would help curb food inflation.

Industry group the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which organised the letter, said large shops could face higher business rates if included in the government's proposed surtax on properties valued at more than £500,000.

Smaller high street firms are expected to benefit from reduced business rates under the government's plans.

"If the industry faces higher taxes in the coming Budget - such as be

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