“Food security is national security”
Sir Keir Starmer
BRINGING LABOUR MEMBERS
TOGETHER TO ENHANCE
BRITAIN’S FOOD SECURITY
ABOUT US
The Labour Food Security Forum is a network to debate and develop new approaches to one of the most pressing challenges we face: the production and availability of food.
Food security and food systems are complex and interconnected issues that deserve cross-departmental attention. Developing effective food security policies will require input from all sectors of society.
The Labour Food Security Forum enables Labour members, academics and sector experts to explore the best ways for the Labour Party to enhance Britain’s food security.
CO-CONVENORS
Dr Alan Bullion
Alan Bullion is a journalist and expert in food security, agribusiness and sustainability. He taught politics and international relations for the Open University for more than 20 years.
“The Labour manifesto stated that the party would champion British farming whilst protecting the environment. Keir Starmer has correctly said that food security is national security, and that the country needs more sustainable food production.
We can’t go on assuming that Britain is never going to be impacted by food security. The combined and lasting impact of the Covid pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent energy crisis has had direct effects on domestic food production and food prices.
Population growth, land use and environmental sustainability are all critical challenges that confront the UK and its future food production capabilities. Britain should be at the forefront on European and global food security issues, and science and technology in particular should be central to these debates.”
Antony So
Antony So is a food systems policy analyst who has previously worked with the OECD, the Centre for Food Policy and recently served as research assistant to Emeritus Professor of food policy Tim Lang.
“Food security isn’t an issue for Defra to address on its own. Effective food security is also about innovation, agricultural labour, international and EU trade, and crisis preparedness, which means DSIT, the Home Office, DBIT and the Cabinet Office -and many others- will all have a role to play in policy formulation as well.
In the past food policies were formed in silos and have been reactive. The Labour Food Security Forum will be a platform that can generate fresh ideas; encourage joined up, coherent policymaking; and ensure that food security policies are proactive rather than made in the aftermath of a major crisis.”
NEWS
Food security is as vital as energy security, says Labour rising star Andrew Pakes
The next government should develop an ambitious national food plan to drive economic growth and….
UK helps secure ambitious declaration to promote sustainable farming and food security
gov.uk / September 17, 2024
CONTACT US
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