Burnham urged to prioritise food security with new Good Food Bill

Andy Burnham has been urged to introduce legislation to secure the UK’s food supply after more than 100 organisations signed a joint letter. The signatories, which include major supermarkets, charities and farming groups, warned that the country’s food system is increasingly vulnerable to shocks. The letter was published by The Standard on 12 June 2024.

The letter states that British production of fruit and vegetables has fallen by 16% since 2015. The UK now imports 78% of its supply, leaving households exposed to global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. Food insecurity already affects 15% of households with children, as reported by the signatories.

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Call for legally binding targets

The organisations are demanding a Good Food Bill to create a legally binding framework. The proposed legislation would set targets to reduce childhood obesity, increase the proportion of fruit and vegetables grown in Britain and cut household food insecurity. The letter argues that food policy must be treated with the same urgency as energy and defence.

Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said the current system is under severe pressure. He told The Standard: "We need a more resilient food system that attracts investment, backs British farmers and helps keep affordable, nutritious food on tables across the nation."

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“The UK food system is dangerously exposed to shocks far beyond our borders.”

Anna Taylor, executive director of The Food Foundation

Richard Hall, vice president of Danone, said poor diet is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK. He told The Standard that the Good Food Bill would provide the long-term certainty businesses need to invest in solutions. The letter also highlights the impact of rising fertiliser costs, which have increased by around 40% since last year.

Prices set to rise further

Food prices are on track to be 50% higher by November 2024 than they were at the start of the cost-of-living crisis in mid-2021. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit provided the figure to The Standard. Campaigners warn that struggling families are cutting back on fresh produce and opting for cheaper, less healthy alternatives.

The letter also points to extreme weather events, such as this summer’s wildfires in Europe, as a growing threat to harvests. The government’s own National Security Assessment earlier this year concluded that global biodiversity loss poses a direct risk to the UK’s food supply. Anna Taylor of The Food Foundation said the price gap between healthy and unhealthy food is now the widest it has been in over a decade.

What happens next

It is unclear when or if Burnham will respond to the letter. The signatories have called for the Good Food Bill to be introduced urgently. No timeline has been set for potential legislation. The letter does not specify which government department would lead on the proposal.