Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food Security: Developing Countries

Tuesday 18 July 2023 · 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 government committed to an 18-month campaign to improve global food security and nutrition.
  • Britain will host a major event in London in November focused on preventing children from starving to death and mitigating food insecurity.
  • The UK announced a sharp increase in bilateral aid and plans to spend 1 billion on humanitarian relief next year.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Levy
Foreign Affairs Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question arises from the UK's commitment to improve global food security and nutrition. It is part of a campaign announced during an integrated review refresh.

Question

What steps has the government taken to help improve food security in developing countries?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The government committed to an 18-month campaign to improve global food security and nutrition, aiming to mitigate the risk of famine as part of the integrated review refresh published in March.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify any concrete actions or initiatives beyond mentioning a general commitment.

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Q2 Ian Levy
Ukraine Children & Families
Context

At the start of 2023, one-third of Ukrainian families were classified as food insecure due to the ongoing war and destruction of its agricultural sector. The question focuses on ensuring vital support for these families.

Question

Given the devastating war in Ukraine leading to widespread food insecurity, will the Department do all it can to ensure that Ukrainian families receive the necessary support despite the conflict?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

Britain will host a major event focused on preventing children from starving to death, mitigating malnutrition and food insecurity. This will take place in London in November.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions for Ukrainian families but mentioned an upcoming event.

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Q3 Patrick Grady SNP
Asylum & Refugees Brexit Benefits & Welfare
Context

The UK's declining investment in international development, coupled with the Home Office's use of official development assistance for housing refugees, has raised concerns about the impact on global food security.

Question

Considering cuts to the aid budget and the Home Office's redirection of funds for refugee resettlement, how will spending on famine relief and food security be prioritized to prevent people from fleeing their countries?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The hon. Gentleman is correct in highlighting the importance of upstream international development. The UK announced a very sharp increase in bilateral aid and plans to spend £1 billion on humanitarian relief next year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address how budget cuts affect food security but acknowledged recent increases in aid spending.

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