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Food Security

31 March 2022

Lead MP

Deidre Brock
Edinburgh North and Leith
SNP

Responding Minister

Victoria Prentis

Tags

UkraineClimateBenefits & WelfareAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 14505
Other Contributors: 12

At a Glance

Deidre Brock raised concerns about food security in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The hon. Member requests that the Government take immediate action to address the crisis by securing fertiliser supplies for farmers through subsidies, overhauling immigration policy to attract necessary workers, and aligning benefits with inflation to alleviate food poverty. She also urges cross-departmental collaboration within the UK Government and seeks commitments similar to those made in Scotland.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Edinburgh North and Leith
Opened the debate
The hon. Member for Glasgow North West is concerned about the global food crisis caused by Russia's war in Ukraine, which has led to a significant humanitarian emergency and potential famine in parts of Africa and the Middle East. The UN World Food Programme estimates that at least 30% of the Ukrainian population needs lifesaving food assistance, with 90% potentially facing extreme poverty. Additionally, she highlights issues such as rising food prices due to increased costs for fertiliser, fuel, seed, and feed, compounded by labour shortages and reduced yields. Furthermore, pre-existing food insecurity in the UK has worsened during the pandemic, affecting nearly 6 million adults and 2.5 million children.

Government Response

Victoria Prentis
Government Response
Acknowledged the impact of the war in Ukraine on global food security, noting that £220 million of humanitarian aid has been sent. Highlighted efforts to support farmers, including meetings with supermarket executives and providing additional funding for household essentials (£500 million from April, bringing total funding to £1 billion). Discussed plans to phase out area-based payments and incentivise efficient farming through new schemes focusing on nature recovery and carbon capture. Emphasized the importance of addressing food poverty and waste reduction.
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.