Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Publicly Owned Markets: Food Security

Thursday 19 March 2026 · 4 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

  • Government recognises the importance of wholesale markets for customers and communities but has limited recent evidence on the impact of public ownership.
  • Jim Shannon highlights that only 55% of Britain's food is produced in Britain, stressing the need for higher food security priority.
  • Government states that local markets are crucial for maintaining local food supply, with most in England operated by local authorities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

The question arises from concerns about the potential impact of public ownership on local food supplies. It mentions a specific concern in London over the City of London's proposal to relinquish responsibility for fish and meat markets, including Billingsgate.

Question

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of public ownership of markets on food security. A number of us in London are concerned about the City of London's proposal to put through a private Bill to relinquish its responsibility for providing the fish and meat markets, Billingsgate and Smithfield. Many constituents rely on Billingsgate for selling and buying fresh fish, and it is crucial for London's restaurant sector. Do the Government have any view on this position, and how can we protect these food markets so that there is no diminishment of access to fresh food?

Answer from Angela Eagle

The Government recognise the importance of wholesale markets for customers and communities, but have limited recent evidence of the impact of public ownership. Billingsgate is recognised as a UK distribution hub for fish, and we will continue to monitor proposed changes closely while engaging with the City of London Corporation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked specifically about an assessment but no concrete evaluation was provided.

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Q2 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
Northern Ireland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question arises from concerns that similar proposals to those affecting London's markets may also impact food security in Northern Ireland.

Question

I thank the Minister for her response to the hon. Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch (Dame Meg Hillier), who always brings forward interesting matters for this House to consider. I underline the importance of farming, fishing and food in Northern Ireland, and would not want a change to the public ownership of markets in Northern Ireland to impact us negatively. May I ask very respectfully whether she has had an opportunity to discuss these matters with the relevant Minister in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Angela Eagle

Mr Speaker, all I can do is express my admiration of the hon. Gentleman's ingenuity in ensuring that his question is in order.

Not addressed: The minister did not address the substantive issue about discussions with Northern Ireland's relevant authority.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Concerns over food security due to global shocks such as wars and the lack of financial support for farmers in England.

Question

Only 55% of Britain's food is produced in Britain, so food security should be a much bigger priority for this Government. Donald Trump's war in the Middle East, Putin's war on Ukraine have not woken up the Government to this, yet England is now the only country in the UK that does not financially support farmers in producing food. Is that not recklessly foolish?

Answer from Angela Eagle

Local markets are extremely important, particularly for maintaining local food supply. Most markets in England are owned and operated by local authorities with Covent Garden Market Authority being an exception under DEFRA's oversight. We recognise the importance of food security with current self-sufficiency at 67% or 77% excluding non-domestic produce.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked if it was reckless not to support farmers, but the answer did not address this directly.

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Q4 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Concerns over food security due to low production percentage in Britain, lack of financial support for farmers, and the new farm payment scheme.

Question

Only 55% of Britain's food is produced in Britain, so food security should be a much bigger priority for this Government. England is now the only country in Europe that does not financially support farmers to produce food. Is that recklessly foolish? Will the Minister amend the farm payment scheme?

Answer from Angela Eagle

Local markets are very important for local food supply, most operated by local authorities. I am interested in assisting them. DEFRA oversees Covent Garden Market Authority alone. Food security is not complacent; 67% self-sufficient overall or 77% excluding non-domestic produce like bananas and mangoes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked about the farm payment scheme amendment but received no specific commitment regarding this.

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