Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No specific background provided. The MP is asking about steps to ensure food security.
What steps he is taking to help ensure food security?
We have a high degree of food security in the UK, producing 74% of the food we can grow here and having robust supply chains. Our food strategy sets security as a goal. We are monitoring rising pressures on household incomes closely.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific steps or commitments provided beyond general statements about food security in the UK.
General Statements
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A study shows that 9.9 million people in the UK cut back on food or missed meals due to financial pressures, with FareShare supplying 63,200 meals in Morden's constituency annually.
With studies showing that 9.9 million people across the UK cut back on food or missed meals altogether in April, why are the Government cutting money to FareShare?
We have worked closely with FareShare during the last couple of years, committing £37 billion-worth of support to help families with food costs. Tackling poverty in all forms is a priority for the Government.
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Assessment & feedback
No explanation provided about why funding was reduced and no specific details on how FareShare will be supported.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP visited the Horley Food Club, an organization that recycles food waste into community hands. Regulations are holding back supermarkets from recycling food waste.
Will the Minister update the House on what we might be able to do about use-by labelling and other regulations holding back supermarket food waste reduction?
I am pleased to confirm that the Food Standards Agency has agreed to ensure there are no more unnecessary barriers to food redistribution. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the issue further.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific update on actions taken or planned regarding use-by labelling and regulations.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The National Farmers Union Scotland president warns about food security concerns due to a 'perfect storm' of factors affecting the agricultural sector.
Will the Minister clarify whether the UK Government will heed the call for financial support for food producers months ago when Russia invaded Ukraine?
In England, we have been able to take steps to support our farmers through rising input costs. We brought forward the support payment and made changes to guidance on farming rules for water and urea, which ought to help the movement from chemical fertilisers to biofertilisers.
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Assessment & feedback
No clarification provided on whether financial support measures will be extended to other regions.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Inflation reached a new 40-year high at 9.1%, with 7.3 million people living in food poverty including 2.6 million children.
What assessment have the Government made of the number of people who will be in food poverty by Christmas this year? Can it be published and put in the House of Commons Library?
We continue to monitor closely both the cost of food and its effect on household budgets. The Chancellor has added £15 billion to his total support package, making it £37 billion in total. Food costs are around 14% for struggling families.
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Assessment & feedback
No official assessment provided or publication offered.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's own food security report relies on the existence of food banks to keep the UK fed. However, food banks are struggling with rising demand.
Is it not true that the Government's record of low wages, low growth, record tax rises and out-of-control inflation is keeping people skint and hungry, and that the Government just do not have a plan to address this?
We very much have a plan to continue to help people with cost of living pressures. We work closely with the Trussell Trust and others, having an excellent relationship after the pandemic. It is important that we dial down the political tone.
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Assessment & feedback
No clear plan or specifics on addressing food insecurity provided.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy