Government Food Strategy

Question

The shadow criticises the minister for failing to meet his own deadline for a comprehensive food strategy. The statement is deemed vague and lacking in concrete proposals addressing critical issues such as trade losses with the EU, labour shortages, obesity rates, and supply crises.

Question

The Secretary of State's response is too brief considering the scope of issues raised in Henry Dimbleby’s review. The statement fails to address food poverty, obesity, trade loss with EU, labour shortages on farms, lost exports, rotting crops due to unfavourable weather conditions and other critical issues. There is a need for detailed plans that ensure affordable, healthy, sustainable food access while supporting British farmers.

Question

The strategy should address the reduction in vegetable oil production domestically, reducing our reliance on imported sunflower and rapeseed oil from Ukraine. Secondly, more attention needs to be given to land quality when considering photovoltaic installations.

Question

Welcomed the advance sight of the statement, highlighting the significance of the agrifood industry in Scotland. Raised concerns over labour shortages, food waste due to unpicked produce, high costs of living, energy price hikes, fertiliser prices, farm income levels, and border issues following Brexit. Emphasised the need for action to support producers during cost-of-living crises.

Question

Called for public procurement to support local food production, advocating for a commitment to sourcing 100% British food rather than the stated goal of 50%.

Question

Noted an increase in seasonal workers from 30,000 to 40,000 but questioned the effectiveness given last year's failure to meet even the lower target. Raised concerns over reliance on foreign labour for cucumbers and tomatoes.

Question

Sought a moratorium on house building on grades 1 and 2 agricultural land to preserve farmland for food production in Thanet Earth, the largest greenhouse complex in Europe.

Question

Inquired about discussions with social distributors and food banks regarding interruptions in supply chains for white-labelled foods.

Question

Asked for clarity on whether the strategy’s goal of increasing public sector food procurement from UK producers is an obligation or merely an aspiration.

Question

Pointed out food insecurity among workers in the food production sector and sought emergency measures to boost pay levels.

Question

Welcomed support for sustainable farming and invited a reiteration of support for the UK red meat sector.

Question

With food and energy prices rising, many parents are concerned about providing for their children. Despite Henry Dimbleby's recommendations to extend free school meals to more families on universal credit, the Government has declined these suggestions. Will the Secretary of State reconsider this decision?

Question

The Secretary of State is congratulated for his statement regarding food security and environmental protection. Can he ensure that biodiversity strategies remain at the heart of Government policy, rather than focusing solely on rewilding?

Question

Despite 5,000 households in Southwark using food banks last year, the Government's strategy to tackle food-related inequalities is considered insufficient. When will priority areas be identified for additional support?

Question

With the challenges faced by farmers due to rising costs of fuel, feed, fertiliser, and supply uncertainties from the closure of one UK plant, can the Government assure them that they will receive necessary support?

Question

With constituents struggling to afford basic necessities, the Secretary of State should acknowledge the impact of leaving the European Union on food prices. How can the Government reduce red tape and support British farmers in exports?

Question

While commending the Government's approach on farming and domestic production, there is disappointment regarding salt and sugar reduction strategies. Will these issues be addressed to prevent future health problems?

Question

Eighteen years ago, Hull City Council pioneered free healthy school meals to fight poverty and improve classroom performance. Will the Secretary of State reconsider this recommendation?

Question

Welcoming the extra 10,000 seasonal agricultural workers announced, why did the Government not accept requests for up to 90,000 visas given strong labour market conditions?

Question

As has been referenced already, last week, CF Fertilisers in my constituency announced that it would begin consultation on closing the plant, which puts 300 jobs at risk. Ministers have had nine months’ notice of a problem with this site but I feel they have done nothing to help it survive. What is being done to look at potential purchasers of the site or keep production going there?

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for recently meeting the glasshouse growers in South Ribble. My farmers rely heavily on seasonal agricultural workers visa scheme, will he continue using flexibility within this scheme to ensure 10,000 workers are available? Will he keep an eye on the situation and adjust accordingly?

Question

Local farmers are keen to produce food sustainably but face issues due to the phasing out of BPS before ELMS is ready, and up-front costs preventing involvement in SFI. How will the Secretary of State look at this problem?

Question

Farmers in Lincolnshire are concerned the Government might prioritise biodiversity over food production. How do we ensure food security and productivity, especially with regard to the £270 million farming innovation fund?

Question

This White Paper does not address food price increases nor the recommendation to extend free school meals to over 1 million children on universal credit. How does the Secretary of State plan to address these issues?

Question

Given the independent review's recommendations, how does my right hon. Friend agree that these policies should be enshrined in law through a good food Bill?

Question

The strategy lacks food security for infants. With the rise in costs of infant formula, how does the Secretary of State plan to address these issues? Will he implement a code of marketing of breastmilk substitutes?

Question

Under the strategy, will public money for public good under environmental land management schemes focus on food production? Will he push for a national food security target? Lastly, what about fuel price impact on fishermen in Brixham?

Question

Our farmland in Strangford is highly productive but there are concerns over rewilding initiatives potentially impacting good arable land use. What safeguards ensure that such land remains planted for productivity?