Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food Security

Thursday 22 July 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK has a resilient food supply chain tested by the pandemic and labour shortages.
  • The Department regularly monitors household spending on food and recognises individual struggles.
  • The Government introduced the seasonal agricultural workers scheme to address labour shortages.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Byrne Lab Liverpool West Derby
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP is concerned about food security for consumers following the impacts of the pandemic and labour shortages on the supply chain.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to ensure food security for consumers in the UK. The UK has a resilient food supply chain, but it has been tested by the pandemic and labour shortages. What specific measures are being taken?

Answer from George Eustice

The UK has a resilient food supply chain built on strong domestic production, open markets and an advanced logistics and retail sector. Impacts of the pandemic mean that it has been tested. We are working with colleagues across Government to ensure support for the food supply chain. The Agriculture Act 2020 requires regular assessments of food security.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps and measures were not detailed

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Q2 Ian Byrne Lab Liverpool West Derby
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Department for Work and Pensions data shows that pre-COVID, 42% of households on universal credit were food insecure. With the planned removal of the £20 uplift to universal credit, what impact assessment has been done on its effect on food security?

Question

Department for Work and Pensions data reveals 42% of households on universal credit were food insecure pre-COVID. What impact assessment has the Department completed regarding removing the £20 uplift to universal credit affecting food security for 6 million people?

Answer from George Eustice

We regularly monitor household spending on food. Last year, poorest 20% households spent the lowest amount on record at around 14%. We recognise individual households struggle and have brought forward initiatives such as FareShare and holiday activities and food scheme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impact assessment of removing £20 uplift was not provided

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Q3 Luke Pollard Labour (Co-op) Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Crops are rotting due to labour shortages, HGV drivers shortage due to Brexit deal, and empty shelves due to self-isolation of workers. The MP asks why there is no grip on food security.

Question

There are crops rotting due to labour shortages, a shortage of HGV drivers due to the Government's poor Brexit deal, and empty shelves because retail workers are self-isolating. Why has the Secretary of State not got a grip on food security issues? Where is the plan?

Answer from George Eustice

We have introduced the seasonal agricultural workers scheme, allowing 30,000 seasonal workers to come in. We are continuing to work with businesses on staff isolation issues. The Government will soon say more about their approach to ensure key critical infrastructure can continue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific grip and plan details were not provided

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