The Government has today responded to a cross-party Parliamentary
report into food supply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the
serious concerns it raised about the possible impact of a second
wave of the virus, and of the end of the EU exit transition
period on food supply, the Government avoids addressing the
Committee's key recommendation - the appointment of a
cross-departmental 'Minister for Food Security'.
In July, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
published its report into COVID-19 and Food Supply, examining the
impact of Covid-19 measures on the food supply chain, including
suppliers to pubs, restaurants and cafes that were shut during
lockdown and the lack of availability of food on supermarkets
shelves.
One of the key findings of the report was the increase in the use
of food banks during the first few months of lockdown, with a
significant rise in the number of children requiring food
parcels.
MPs on the EFRA Committee called for the Government to consult on
the “right to food” after the National Food Strategy is published
and to appoint a Minister for Food Security, to draw together
policy across departments on food supply, nutrition and welfare
in order to deliver sustainable change. Given the risks posed by
a second wave of COVID-19 and the end of the Brexit transition
period it called for this as “a matter of great urgency”. It also
called for the continued funding of efforts to redistribute food
from the food supply chain that would otherwise be wasted to
those in need.
Despite clear recommendations, the Government response commits
only to 'continue to monitor' food insecurity as part of a new
requirement under the Agriculture Bill to lay a report on food
security before Parliament at least once every three years. The
final report of the National Food Strategy, including proposed
measures to tackle food insecurity, is now not expected until
“2021” with the Government promising to publish a White Paper to
implement it within six months of its publication.
Chair of the EFRA Committee, , said:
"Millions of people struggle to afford food every day in this
country. During the first wave of the pandemic, we saw how
Government was able to move rapidly to help redistribute surplus
food, and provide packages to those shielding, but we are now
facing a winter in which the economic impact of the virus will be
felt ever more sharply. The food industry and retailers have told
us repeatedly that the end of the Brexit transition period in
December poses a much bigger risk to our food supplies than COVID
did.
The Government needs to be prepared, but its response lacks
urgency by waiting for a National Strategy in “2021” and a White
Paper six months after that. Appointing a Minister for Food
Security would be a simple and powerful way to signal to the
Government machine that alleviating food insecurity is a
cross-Government priority. But it is not enough on its own. For
example, the Government also needs to increase support for
redistribution of surplus food to those who need it most.
"In the coming months we will keep a close eye on the situation
and maintain pressure on Government."
