UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Tory MP Victoria Atkins and farming groups have criticised Labour for dropping its “Buy British” pledge, with claims it threatens UK farming and food security.
As reported by The Daily Express, farming groups have raised concerns over Labour’s new food policy, claiming it undermines earlier promises to boost Britain’s produce.
The Conservatives have also slammed the Government for “turning its back on rural Britain.” They claim farmers are being ignored as inheritance tax changes add more pressure.
What did Victoria Atkins say about Labour dropping “the Buy British” pledge?
Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins stated,
“Labour’s pledge to make half of all food bought through the public sector local, British, or high-standard was one of their manifesto commitments, but now they’re quietly shelving it. At a time when our farmers need certainty and support, Labour is turning its back on them.”
She said,
“Labour talks a good game, but their actions tell a different story. They’ve failed to protect rural communities and are pushing ahead with a disastrous Family Farm Tax. It’s an outright attack on rural Britain, on the people who feed our nation and on the future of British farming.”
Mr Atkins added,
“Only the Conservatives will stand up for rural Britain by protecting family farms, backing local produce and delivering real food security. Labour simply can’t be trusted to support our farmers.”
What did David Bean say about Labour dropping the “Buy British” promise?
David Bean of the Countryside Alliance stated,
“Labour’s target for half of all food bought and served through the public sector to be local, British or produced to higher environmental standards was one of the most promising things in its manifesto last year. To publish a food strategy that ignores it completely is a missed opportunity and a real let-down for Britain’s farmers and food producers.”
He said,
“Their products are the best in the world, and both they and public service users deserve as much of it to be served as possible. When Labour made that pledge, it knew that it was the local aspect that attracted voters.”
Mr Bean added,
“Britons rightly value the provenance of local food; we have confidence in its quality and we want to support the people who work hard to produce it. That is where we need to see delivery.”
What did NFU say about Labour’s new food strategy?
The National Farmers’ Union has voiced fears over the Government’s new food strategy.
President Tom Bradshaw said confidence in farm businesses has collapsed and warned that profitability is being ignored.
Countryside Alliance’s views on buying British
The Countryside Alliance urged the government to back British farming by buying and serving more domestically sourced food. It says this strategy would aid both farmers and national food supply chains.
According to the alliance, prioritising local food could help tackle obesity, increase system resilience, and secure the nation’s food supply.
The group said the public sector must back farmers, especially as many face growing concerns over inheritance tax burdens.
Defra’s stance on supporting British farmers?
A Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson stated,
“Our commitment to farmers and food producers remains steadfast, which is why we want our farmers to be well placed to bid for a fair share of the £5billion a year spent on public-sector catering contracts. We have an ambition for 50% of public sector food in places like hospitals, army bases and prisons to be local or produced to high environmental standards and are open to considering all lawful means of achieving this ambition.”
They added,
“Our cross-Government food strategy will make sure our food system can continue to feed the nation, realise its potential for economic growth, and protect the planet and nourish individuals, now and into the future.”
Labour’s food strategy
- Healthier food plan
Aims to improve diets, fight obesity, and grow the economy by fixing the UK’s food system. - More free meals for kids
Free school meals now cover 500,000 more children, with free breakfast clubs to fight child hunger. - Greener farming
Supports eco-friendly farming, aims to cut meat eating by 25% by 2040, and grow more local fruits and vegetables. - Food industry rules
Food companies must report on healthy food sales and limit junk food ads. A board with experts helps guide the plan. - Support for local food
Backs local food programs and works with plans in Scotland and other regions to build strong food communities. - Fair trade & innovation
Focuses on trade agreements that protect farmers, backs farm tech, and wants smoother food trade with the EU.