Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Pie and Mash: Traditional Speciality Guaranteed Status

22 October 2024 · 5 other contributors · 2,873 words

Opened by Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay

Responding minister: Daniel Zeichner

Business & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Richard Holden raised concerns about pie and mash: traditional speciality guaranteed status in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Holden expressed concern over the decline of traditional pie and mash shops in the UK and the need for protected status to safeguard their heritage.
  • Mr Holden requested the government to grant traditional speciality guaranteed status to pie and mash to promote it domestically and internationally.
  • The Minister acknowledged the importance of GIs for traditional British foods and welcomed a formal application for pie and mash's status.

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.

Opened the debate

Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay

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.

Other contributors (5)
  • 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

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.

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