Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given in the light of the current geopolitical situation to establishing food stores to be available to feed the population in event of commercial food supplies being unavailable.

Defra is monitoring risks posed by Middle East tensions to the UK’s critical supply chains. This includes extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness for, and in response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply chains. Defra works closely with the Cabinet Office and other departments to ensure food supply is fully incorporated as part of emergency preparedness, including consideration of dependencies on other sectors. At present, there are no significant impacts to the supply of food to consumers from the Middle East conflict.

The UK does not have national food stockpiles or plans to create these. The UK has a food supply chain that is well equipped to deal with any potential disruption. The UK’s food security is built on supply from diverse sources including strong domestic production and imports through stable trade routes.