← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Pie and Mash: Traditional Speciality Guaranteed Status
22 October 2024
Lead MP
Richard Holden
Basildon and Billericay
Con
Responding Minister
Daniel Zeichner
Tags
Economy
Word Count: 2873
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Richard Holden raised concerns about pie and mash: traditional speciality guaranteed status in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr. Holden asks for the government to provide traditional speciality guaranteed status for pie and mash as soon as possible, recognising its artisan production methods and rich cultural heritage.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr. Holden is concerned about the decline of traditional pie and mash shops, despite them thriving in areas like Basildon. He notes that there are over a hundred similar products with protected status in France and Italy but only under a hundred in the UK. He highlights the importance of safeguarding the heritage of pie and mash to promote it both domestically and internationally.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Congratulates Mr Holden on securing this debate and highlights the importance of focusing on regional cuisine to export it more widely.
James McMurdock
Ind
South Basildon and East Thurrock
Thanks Mr Holden for raising the subject and expresses pride in heritage, commending pie and mash as something to be proud of.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends Mr Holden for bringing the matter forward and mentions his experience in obtaining special designation status for a potato variety back home.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Gives way to his Essex neighbour and shares personal experience with pie and mash, expressing support for the campaign. Mr Francois thanked the Minister for giving way and expressed a willingness to challenge his neighbour in a friendly competition regarding pie and mash shops.
Mark Field
Con
Richmond Park
He supports Mr. Holden's campaign to promote regional cuisine like pie and mash and suggests featuring such products on the House of Commons menu.
Government Response
Daniel Zeichner
Government Response
The Government is committed to celebrating and promoting geographical indications (GIs) for traditional British foods, including the potential for pie and mash. GIs protect quality and authenticity, enhance tourism, support exports through trade agreements, and contribute to rural communities. The Minister welcomed a formal application for pie and mash's Traditional Speciality Guaranteed status while noting that current processes prevent definitive comments.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.