Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food Prices

Thursday 14 March 2024 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • Patrick Grady asked about the impact of the UK's departure from the EU on food prices in the UK.
  • The Minister cited a Scottish Government decision to restrict meal deals and supermarket promotions, arguing it increases prices for Scottish customers.
  • The Minister referenced the London School of Economics finding that Brexit has added 250 to the average household bill, but noted the SNP Government's policies also contribute to rising food prices.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Grady SNP
Brexit
Context

The question is prompted by concerns over rising food prices in the UK since its departure from the EU.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the impact of the UK's departure from the EU on food prices in the UK?

Answer from Steve Barclay

If the hon. Member is concerned about food prices, I urge him to consider the impact of the Scottish Government's decision to crack down on meal deals and supermarket promotions, which will mean that Scottish customers pay more than English ones for the same products.

Not addressed: The question asked for an assessment of Brexit's impact on food prices, but the response discussed Scottish government policies instead.

How: Changed Subject To Scottish Government Policies

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Q2 Patrick Grady SNP
Economy Brexit
Context

The question is prompted by research from the London School of Economics indicating that Brexit has increased household bills, and additional costs due to healthcare certificates.

Question

That has nothing to do with the question on the Order Paper. The London School of Economics found that Brexit has added £250 to the average household bill. The healthcare certificates that are now required will add even more. Is the reality not that the cost of living crisis is a cost of Westminster crisis, fuelled by Brexit?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The hon. Member seems to imply that food inflation has been unique to the UK. Actually, we have seen more severe consequences on the continent. It is right to draw the House's attention to the decisions that the SNP Government are taking, which have an impact on increasing food prices.

Not addressed: The question asked about Brexit's impact on cost of living and the researcher's findings, but the response shifted focus to the situation in Europe and Scottish government policies.

How: Changed Subject To European Consequences, Discussed Snp Government Decisions

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