Food Security 2023-12-07

2023-12-07

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Rachel Hopkins Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Context
Recent discussions about food sustainability with farmers, highlighting the importance of domestic produce.
I recently visited Tom, a farmer from my constituency, at the family farm in Pepperstock. We spoke about the importance of UK food sustainability—growing, harvesting and eating domestic produce. That is at risk without a well-functioning seasonal worker scheme. The National Farmers Union recommends improving the current scheme by securing it for five years with annual reviews and increasing the visa period to nine months. Does the Secretary of State agree that these potential reforms could support greater food security in the UK and mean less reliance on food imports?
I agree with the hon. Lady on the importance of food productivity and the sustainability of our farming sector, which is why we held the “UK Farm to Fork” summit in May, chaired by the Prime Minister, where we discussed food security with representatives. It is also why just in this past week we announced £45 million to support our farming and rural sector in getting innovation to farms and to help with costs, such as for solar, as part of that investment.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not directly address the proposed reforms to the seasonal worker scheme or provide a specific stance on their potential impact on food security.
Discussed Food Productivity And Sustainability Generally
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Rachel Hopkins Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Context
Welcoming the new Environment Secretary and requesting a meeting to discuss issues relevant to the fishing industry.
I welcome my right hon. Friend to his new role and, in particular, the experience of negotiating with the European Union that he brings to it. I welcome his remarks about supporting the farming industry, but I ask him not to forget the seafood industry and its importance in providing food security. As the new Environment Secretary, will he meet me and members of the seafood industry to discuss the way forward, because as much as we welcome the measures announced earlier this week to tackle abuse of legal migration, there are concerns as we transition away from freedom of movement?
Obviously, I am happy to give a commitment to meet my hon. Friend to discuss those important issues. He will be interested to know that just this week I had a series of meetings with fishing leaders to discuss some of the issues, including not only the 2026 negotiation, but the interaction with other areas of Government, not least in respect of the offshore wind sector and the pressure on space.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Context
Concerns raised by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's new medical rules impacting fishers' livelihoods.
I welcome the new Minister, the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the hon. Member for Keighley (Robbie Moore), and the new Secretary of State—I believe he is the fifth during my time in the shadow Environment team. The fish our fishers catch is vital to our food security, but recent actions by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are leaving many inshore fishers at their wits' end. Can it really be right that a fisherman in the prime of his working life risks losing his livelihood because he was brave enough a few months ago to admit to a doctor that he felt anxious? Will the Secretary of State corner his colleague the Transport Secretary to look urgently at exemptions for smaller boats?
The shadow Minister raises an important point, because there have been concerns in the fishing sector. The Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries and I have been in touch with Department for Transport colleagues on this issue. There have been amendments to the regulations as a result of those discussions, which are ongoing.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not provide a direct commitment to meet with the Transport Secretary or discuss specific exemptions for smaller boats.
Discussed Ongoing Amendments But No Specific Action
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Daniel Zeichner Lab
Cambridge
Context
Concerns about the impact of new immigration rules on agricultural production and food availability.
Post-Brexit attempts to recruit domestic workers into agricultural jobs have not managed to fill existing vacancies, leaving firms unable to produce at pre-Brexit levels. New Government rules on migration now put the minimum income requirements for immigrant workers far higher than the level currently earned by an agricultural worker in the UK. In that context, what assessment is he and his Department making of the impact that his Government's draconian immigration policies will have on the security of domestic food production and on the cost and availability of food for consumers?
Of course we will work with colleagues in the fishing industry to discuss the impacts of the Home Office announcement. That is part of the discussions that we will have. It is worth reminding the House that, for farming, the seasonal agricultural workers scheme is separate and is not part of the announcement from Home Office colleagues this week.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not address the specific impact of immigration policies on food production and costs.
Changed Subject To Discussions With Fishing Industry
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Context
Discussions about the importance of a well-functioning seasonal worker scheme for food security.
What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on helping to ensure food security. I recently visited Tom, a farmer from my constituency, at the family farm in Pepperstock. We spoke about the importance of UK food sustainability—growing, harvesting and eating domestic produce. That is at risk without a well-functioning seasonal worker scheme. The National Farmers Union recommends improving the current scheme by securing it for five years with annual reviews and increasing the visa period to nine months. Does the Secretary of State agree that those potential reforms could support greater food security in the UK and mean less reliance on food imports?
Strengthening food security by supporting world-class farmers and food producers is a top priority for this Government. We produce 60% of the food we consume, and food is one of the UK's 13 critical national infrastructure sectors, which we regularly discuss with Cabinet colleagues.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not address proposed reforms to the seasonal worker scheme or provide a specific stance on their potential impact on food security.
Discussed General Priorities Without Specifics
Response accuracy