Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Global Food Security

Tuesday 6 September 2022 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Lee Anderson asked about steps taken to improve global food security, highlighting the impact of Putin's war in Ukraine on food prices and local businesses.
  • Lee Anderson inquired about the reallocation of 15 million in existing aid to Pakistan and the programmes that were cut as a consequence.
  • Sarah Champion questioned the Minister about work being done to address food price rises and support vulnerable populations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lee Anderson Reform Ashfield
Climate Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from the global impact of Putin's war in Ukraine on food prices, particularly affecting local businesses and communities.

Question

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?

Answer from Vicky Ford

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.

Answered
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Q2 Lee Anderson Reform Ashfield
Foreign Affairs Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

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.

Question

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?

Answer from Vicky Ford

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Programmes cut as a consequence

How: Under Review

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Q3 Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham
Foreign Affairs Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Sub-Saharan African countries are suffering severely from rising food prices, with millions affected by hunger crises.

Question

What work is the Minister doing to address food price rises and support vulnerable populations in sub-Saharan Africa?

Answer from Vicky Ford

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 Thomas Tugendhat Con Tonbridge
NHS Foreign Affairs
Context

In Malawi, many people experience nutritional deficiencies, including insufficient protein intake with over 37% of children experiencing stunting.

Question

What further action will the Government take to support nutritional programmes addressing malnutrition and stunting in Malawi?

Answer from Vicky Ford

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for nutritional programs

How: Under Review

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Q5 David Linden SNP
Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

Will the new Foreign Secretary urgently address the block on aid payments to prevent further deaths in the Horn of Africa hunger crisis?

Answer from Vicky Ford

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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