Publicly Owned Markets Food Security 2026-03-19
2026-03-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked specifically about an assessment but no concrete evaluation was provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns that similar proposals to those affecting London's markets may also impact food security in Northern Ireland.
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?
Mr Speaker, all I can do is express my admiration of the hon. Gentleman's ingenuity in ensuring that his question is in order.
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Assessment & feedback
The minister did not address the substantive issue about discussions with Northern Ireland's relevant authority.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns over food security due to global shocks such as wars and the lack of financial support for farmers in England.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked if it was reckless not to support farmers, but the answer did not address this directly.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns over food security due to low production percentage in Britain, lack of financial support for farmers, and the new farm payment scheme.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked about the farm payment scheme amendment but received no specific commitment regarding this.
Response accuracy