Labour’s looming Food Security challenge
In the run-up to the election Labour made significant promises to bolster the nation’s food security. They said that “food security is national security” and pledged to champion British farming while protecting the environment. They also aim for 50% of food in public institutions to be locally sourced or produced to higher environmental standards. These pledges come at a critical time as global food supplies have been increasingly impacted by geopolitical conflicts, extreme weather events, and rising costs.
But, speaking to Carbon Brief, Professor Tim Lang said that food security is “very low on the political agenda” and that “Politicians really don’t yet get how important and how fragile the food system is.” He believes “We need a national council of food policy” but also cautions that “We have got to get a grip on the runaway food manufacturing industry.”
The election manifestos reflect an acknowledgment of the critical importance of food security, yet there is consensus among experts and industry leaders that more needs to be done. Labour now face the challenge of implementing these pledges and addressing the complex interplay of climate change, geopolitical instability, and economic pressures that threaten the UK’s food supply. Carbon Brief have an interesting overview of the issues and challenges that lie ahead, including a novel graphic showing how land is currently allocated in the UK, and how much overseas land is used to produce food for the UK.