Food Security

Called Philip Dunne to move the motion and set a time limit of 15 minutes.

Dunne expresses concern over the impact of environmental change on food security and calls for urgent action. He discusses the importance of adapting and mitigating threats to food production, emphasising the need for an annual publication of a government food security report. He also highlights recommendations such as preventing food waste, accelerating insect protein regulation, improving soil health monitoring, managing water demand, encouraging sustainable dietary choices, and publishing a land use framework.

The Member highlights the historical context of food security debates in the UK, drawing parallels with the repeal of the corn laws. He emphasises the need for balance between domestic food production and environmental goals, questioning the wisdom of converting productive agricultural land into solar energy arrays. Robert Goodwill also addresses issues related to sugar beet and oilseed rape cultivation, underlining the necessity of using neonicotinoid seed dressings due to aphid-transmitted viruses and pest control needs. He raises concerns about the future viability of these crops in light of environmental policies and their impact on bee health. Additionally, he discusses labour shortages and food poverty, advocating for measures such as extending free school meal provision. The Member also queries the potential effects of wet autumn/winter conditions and depressed cereal prices on future wheat production.

Stressed the decline in UK insect populations based on available data, despite challenges with comprehensive monitoring due to limited budgets and scope. Recommended policy changes like expanding the National Bee Unit’s focus, promoting integrated pest management through environmental land management schemes, and including a baseline list of insects for future monitoring.

Jo Gideon emphasised the importance of food security, highlighting that despite significant increases in food production per person since the 1940s, the current food system poses major threats to biodiversity and climate stability. She noted disruptions caused by the pandemic, climate change, and conflicts like Russia's war in Ukraine, leading to potential political unrest and mass migration due to food shortages. Gideon advocated for a more resilient local food production system that prioritises health, environmental sustainability, and economic benefits through investment in technology and localism. She also raised concerns about labour shortages impacting UK food production and the need for less stringent standards on produce quality, promoting acceptance of 'wonky' fruit and vegetables to reduce waste. Gideon further discussed the interplay between food production and environmental protection, stressing the importance of supporting pollinators such as insects in creating a productive landscape for agriculture.

Ms Elphicke emphasised the importance of food security and biosecurity measures at UK borders, particularly in Kent. She highlighted that over 40% of the UK's food is imported, with a significant portion coming through Dover from Europe. She criticised the Government for failing to implement an effective land use framework and internal food strategy, which could leave the country dependent on imports. Elphicke expressed concerns about biosecurity breaches at the Dover border due to the new security control regime that moved checks 22 miles away in Ashford instead of using a state-of-the-art facility already available at Dover. She urged the Government to reconsider their decision and maintain robust measures against threats like African swine fever.

Paid tribute to UK farmers and their role in food security; emphasised challenges due to extreme weather events, fuel costs, animal feed costs, fertiliser supply issues, inflation, and the war in Ukraine. Highlighted importance of biosecurity and rural mental health during outbreaks such as African swine fever. Called for Government support through policies like annual food security reviews, ELMS expansion, and genetic technology act.

Intervened to discuss personal experience with TB on his farm, highlighting the mental health impacts of culling calves and pregnant cows due to confusion over regulations. Emphasised the emotional toll of disease outbreaks on farmers.

Villers stressed the importance of maintaining funding levels for farm support to ensure a successful transition to sustainable farming. She appealed to ministers to continue engaging with farmers and making necessary adjustments to ELMS. Concerned about proposals in Wales, she urged against measures that could damage UK's food security. Villers also highlighted the role of agricultural innovation and technology, welcoming the lifting of EU ban on gene editing for boosting global food production sustainably.

Food security should encompass sustainable provision for all citizens, fair pay for workers, affordable prices, and a reliable food supply chain. The SNP prioritises the impacts of climate change on agriculture and the cost-of-living crisis induced by the Conservative Government's economic policies. There are 1,400 Trussell Trust food banks across the UK with an additional estimated 1,000 independent ones; in Bonnar’s constituency alone there are three. In 2010, before the current government took office, less than 300,000 emergency food parcels were distributed by the Trussell Trust. Last year, under 13 years of Tory rule, that number rose to 3 million, with 260,000 in Scotland alone. A Department for Work and Pensions report found that 4.7 million people in the UK lived in food-insecure households (7% of total population), with 19% of children living in households experiencing low or very low food security. Since 2010, child poverty has been rising yearly across every part of the UK due to Tory policies. Scottish farmers need support amidst Brexit-induced workforce recruitment issues and trade disruptions; exports to the EU have fallen significantly (e.g., a 38% fall in fruit and vegetable exports between 2019-2022). The SNP Government established a dedicated food security unit, introduced a Scottish child payment, and provide significant support for families on low incomes. Unlike the Tories, the SNP advocate for full control over Scotland’s food production, imports, exports, and future.

Congratulations were extended to those who secured the debate and members of Select Committees. The MP thanked contributors, particularly for comments on biosecurity but expressed some disagreement over hedgerow protection due to government inaction. He emphasised Labour's longstanding commitment to food security, citing climate events, political decisions, and economic factors impacting farmers and consumers. Food production declines were highlighted alongside the need for a decent return for farm businesses. The speaker also discussed issues such as waste in the food chain, pesticide use, and the necessity of an environmentally sustainable approach to food production. He welcomed committee reports and criticised the government's lack of action on key issues.

Discussed the Government's efforts to enhance UK food production, including £2.4 billion commitment towards supporting food producers and plans for an annual food security index starting this spring. Highlighted the importance of a holistic approach considering five themes in the food security report.

Asked the Minister to clarify that the publication of the national action plan on sustainable use of pesticides will be by May at the latest, echoing recommendations from Committee reports.

Expressed concern over lack of Opposition contributions and welcomed remarks made by Opposition spokesmen. Highlighted the importance of new definitions introduced by the Minister such as 'imminently' and 'at pace'. Praised Conservative Back Benchers for their detailed contributions.

Proposed the motion for the House to consider the matter of food security, including the effects on it of environmental change and of insect decline.