A coalition of businesses, NGOs and health organizations is calling on the UK government to strengthen food security amid rising prices and environmental risks.
The UK’s food system is under increasing strain, with experts warning that ongoing ecological decline could threaten both national food security and affordability.
Analysts are calling for legislative intervention across sectors, citing a combination of global turmoil, climate-related challenges and domestic inflation that is increasing pressure on food supplies.
Growing concerns about UK food security
Recent government research has highlighted the vulnerability of the UK’s food supply if biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse continue.
Experts have warned that without decisive action, the country could face food shortages, soaring food prices and broader economic risks.
These challenges are exacerbated by the highest food price inflation in 40 years, affected by the spillover effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and international tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Broad industry support for the Good Food Bill
In response, more than 100 organizations, including major retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Danone and Co-op Group, are calling for the introduction of the Good Food Bill, alongside caterers Elior and Sodexo.
NGOs such as The Food Foundation, Sustain, Green Alliance, Barnardo’s and WWF, as well as health organizations such as the British Medical Association and the British Heart Foundation, are supporting the initiative.
The proposed bill would establish a legal framework to strengthen food security, public health, and environmental sustainability.
It aims to set measurable targets for governments and public institutions to make healthy food more available and affordable, while providing long-term protection from policy changes caused by short-term political cycles.
Commenting on the proposal, Andrew Clappen, director of food technology at M&S Food, said: “Ensuring national food security requires a strong cross-government effort supported by industry to increase domestic food supplies.
“We support the call for a Good Food Act to refocus our national approach to building sustainable supply chains, increasing investment in climate resilience, and supporting farmers and producers to put nutritious food on our plates.”
public opinion supports reform
YouGov polling data released by the Food Foundation shows strong public support for food security.
Some 69% of respondents believe the government should do more to ensure affordable access to nutritious food, with only 3% arguing for less involvement.
Furthermore, 53% of those surveyed believe that the current international situation has increased the urgency of protecting the UK’s food system. Support for a formal legislative framework cuts across political lines, with 65% supporting the Good Food Bill.
Anna Taylor, Executive Director of the Food Foundation, added:
“Governments can win important victories within one term, but only legislation can ensure change and protect progress from shifting political priorities.
“Food strategies and legislation are already being introduced across the devolved nations and this is a timely opportunity for Westminster to introduce legislation that will benefit the whole of the UK.
“We are calling on governments to seize this moment, commit to a new fundamental law and lead the changes needed to build a food system fit for the future.”
Impact on health and inequality
The current state of the UK food system also has significant implications for health and society. According to the report, 15% of households with children face food insecurity, while healthier options remain more than twice as expensive per calorie as less nutritious foods.
The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes among young people and the fact that 36% of secondary school-aged children are overweight or obese highlight the urgent need for systemic change.
Supporters say the Good Food Act could help the government achieve its stated goals of improving children’s health and reducing dependence on emergency food supplies.
Policy window and next steps
More than a year has passed since the Government outlined its National Food Strategy ambitions. As the next King’s Speech approaches, experts say this is a key opportunity to formalize the plan through a white paper, which could pave the way for a quality food bill.
The Bill aims to strengthen the resilience, sustainability and equity of the UK’s food system over the coming decades by setting statutory obligations and long-term targets.
Debate around food security, affordability and public health are increasingly at the center of policy debates, reflecting growing public concern and awareness of the interconnected risks facing the UK’s food supply.
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