Questions & Answers
Q1
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The Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused significant pressure on food prices, affecting various sectors including farming.
What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to mitigate the impact of increasing food prices due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and other pressures?
My Department has been working closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to assess the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and other pressures on food prices.
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Q2
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Farmers are facing significant cost increases, affecting their ability to maintain profitability while ensuring stable food prices.
Given the huge increase in costs that farmers are enduring, how is the government balancing the need to mitigate food price increases with ensuring that farmers receive fair payment for their products?
My hon. Friend highlights a challenging part of the global cost of living crisis. Critical areas include providing fertiliser assistance through a taskforce stabilising the market and optimising its use by farmers. Fertiliser is a key driver of food prices.
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Q3
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A local farmer has reported significant increases in costs for feed, fertiliser, and essential products, impacting food prices.
I visited a farm last week where costs have skyrocketed. What additional support is available from the Government to help our farmers and sustain this crucial industry?
We are working closely with the Scottish Government. In England, a basic payment has been introduced for cash flow support. Additionally, efforts include promoting traditional fertiliser use such as animal slurry and supporting farmers' storage capabilities.
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Q4
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Infant formula prices have surged, leading to security tagging and theft by desperate families.
What measures are in place to ensure that infant formula is accessible to those who need it amid rising costs?
We monitor vital products closely and have introduced £37 billion in support for households on means-tested benefits, with further instalments planned.
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Q5
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Fresh fruit and vegetable prices are rising, partly due to labour shortages in the UK.
How will the Government address labour shortages for picking crops and improve supply chain efficiency for imported fresh produce?
We are in constant discussion with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on labour provision for harvesting. We aim to maintain efficient supply chains for imported fresh food.
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Q6
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One in six UK households is experiencing serious financial hardship, often resulting from price increases and reduced quality of food.
What steps does the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster plan to take to address rising prices driving inequality and poverty?
We are part of a global food supply chain facing price pressures. £37 billion has been allocated for cost-of-living assistance, including payments and energy bill discounts.
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Q7
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The Scottish child payment has reduced child poverty in Scotland, but Kirsten Oswald is concerned that the UK government's focus on tax cuts for the wealthy may neglect those hit hardest by cost of living issues.
I am afraid that in terms of people's real experience in their day-to-day life, it is not enough. Families across the UK know that the Tory Government here are not doing enough with the powers that they have. Scotland has the lowest child poverty in the UK due to policies such as the Scottish child payment. Here, we have Tory leadership candidates promising major tax cuts which indicate a belief in financial headroom.
I have learned over my years in government that one of the key factors is balance. While assisting those who are struggling most should be a priority, we also need to balance this against economic health and our ability to provide assistance. In Scotland, there is a focus on one aspect at the neglect of the other. Many people driving wealth creation rue the day the SNP took office as Scotland has performed worse economically than other parts of the UK over the past 10 years.
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Assessment & feedback
Benefits of policies such as child payment and priority given to those hit hardest by cost of living crisis
Attacks On Scottish Government'S Economic Performance
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