Oral Answers to Questions

Ian Byrne Excerpts

Thursday 28th October 2021 Commons Chamber

[Ian Byrne (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab)]

4. When he plans to publish the Government’s response to the National Food Strategy.

[The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Victoria Prentis)]

The food strategy will be published early next year. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set out how we can create the food system that we want. It will identify ways to make our food healthier, more sustainable and, I hope, more accessible.

[Ian Byrne]

In April, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s report on “Covid-19 and the issues of security in food supply” said that the Government should consult on a legal right to food and address that in their White Paper responding to the national food strategy, which was published in July. In the light of the horrific rise of food poverty in all our communities, with kids going hungry, as highlighted on Monday night in a harrowing “Dispatches” programme, will the Minister meet me to discuss the upcoming White Paper and the right to food?

[Victoria Prentis]

I would be delighted to meet the hon. Gentleman, as I have many times to discuss the important issue of food poverty. I take the opportunity to commend him for his work with Fans Supporting Foodbanks, which is a great initiative. I thank all those involved.