Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food Security

Thursday 23 June 2022 · 6 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 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK produces 74% of the food it can grow domestically and has robust supply chains.
  • Government has committed 37 billion to support families with food costs.
  • Minister confirmed that the Food Standards Agency will remove barriers to food redistribution.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

No specific background provided. The MP is asking about steps to ensure food security.

Question

What steps he is taking to help ensure food security?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps or commitments provided beyond general statements about food security in the UK.

How: General Statements

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No explanation provided about why funding was reduced and no specific details on how FareShare will be supported.

How: Changing Subject

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific update on actions taken or planned regarding use-by labelling and regulations.

How: Changing Subject

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Ukraine Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The National Farmers Union Scotland president warns about food security concerns due to a 'perfect storm' of factors affecting the agricultural sector.

Question

Will the Minister clarify whether the UK Government will heed the call for financial support for food producers months ago when Russia invaded Ukraine?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No clarification provided on whether financial support measures will be extended to other regions.

How: Changing Subject

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Economy Benefits & Welfare
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No official assessment provided or publication offered.

How: Changing Subject

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q6 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
NHS Economy
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No clear plan or specifics on addressing food insecurity provided.

How: Changing Subject

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email