Pressure is growing for Morrisons to have legally binding agreements with American buyers to safeguard the supermarket’s legacy.

British farmers are concerned the food company under new owners Fortress would renege on deals.

Morrison chief David Potts has written to more than 3,000 farmers insisting existing commitments “carry genuine weight”.

The letter has been seen by The Sunday Telegraph.

Mr Potts explained: “Throughout our discussions with Fortress, we considered very carefully whether Fortress would be a suitable and appropriate owner of Morrisons and whether their plans for the business would protect and develop the fundamental character of Morrisons.”

But Darren Jones MP, chairman of the business select committee, said:

“It’s important that the interests of workers, pensioners and customers are carefully considered when these takeover deals are agreed.

“Any commitments made by new potential owners of Morrisons in relation to staff, assets, pensions and the supply chain should be set out clearly, subject to proper scrutiny and made specific and binding.”