Global Food Security 2022-09-06
2022-09-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the global impact of Putin's war in Ukraine on food prices, particularly affecting local businesses and communities.
What steps she has taken to improve global food security. I am concerned about the impact of Putin's war in Ukraine on food prices all over the country and how it is affecting local businesses like Wade's independent cheese counter in Ashfield. Does the Minister agree that instead of blaming the Government for rising food prices, Labour should help get grain out of Ukraine to reduce prices?
My hon. Friend is spot on. It is Putin's war that is driving up food prices right across the world, and this UK Government have been rolling up our sleeves to help, especially on getting the grain out of Ukraine. We have put in military assistance and practical equipment, for example to mend the railroads, and technical advice. Some 90 ships of grain have left Ukraine since 1 August, and more is needed; 3 million tonnes are estimated to have been moved by land routes last month, which is 10 times as much as was moved last March.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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The recent floods in Pakistan have severely impacted food security, especially for women and girls. The Committee's report highlights that over 50 million people across 45 countries are on the edge of famine due to climate change, fertiliser costs, and conflict.
How will the Government's reallocation of £15 million in existing aid contribute to long-term food insecurity faced by Pakistan? What programmes were cut as a consequence?
The Government are very focused on the food vulnerable across the world. We committed an extra £130 million to the World Food Programme, which was announced at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting earlier in the summer. The “Room to Run” guarantee will enable it to raise up to $2 billion for improving agricultural systems, including more advanced seed.
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Assessment & feedback
Programmes cut as a consequence
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Sub-Saharan African countries are suffering severely from rising food prices, with millions affected by hunger crises.
What work is the Minister doing to address food price rises and support vulnerable populations in sub-Saharan Africa?
The situation in east Africa is catastrophic, affecting more than 40 million people. We are a major donor: we expect to spend £156 million this year, providing food, water, shelter and medicines for millions of people. We have raised $400 million through the UN and are pushing the World Bank to do more too.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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In Malawi, many people experience nutritional deficiencies, including insufficient protein intake with over 37% of children experiencing stunting.
What further action will the Government take to support nutritional programmes addressing malnutrition and stunting in Malawi?
I visited Malawi earlier this year. We are a major donor: there has been some fantastic work on the polio situation with 3 million children vaccinated, but it is a very fragile country which we continue to support closely.
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Specific measures for nutritional programs
Under Review
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The Treasury blocked aid payments during the Conservative leadership contest, delaying support for vulnerable populations. The World Food Programme warns of an imminent famine in Somalia.
Will the new Foreign Secretary urgently address the block on aid payments to prevent further deaths in the Horn of Africa hunger crisis?
The UK remains one of the largest donors. In Somalia, we have been leading with our aid and bringing in other donors. I announced further advancements of funding into Somalia just last week.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy