Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to support the plant-based by default approach to hospital menus proposed in the letter sent by the Plants First Healthcare Campaign to NHS Trusts and integrated care boards on 16 October, and if so, how.

The National Health Service does not intend to support a default plant-based approach to hospital food. The Government and the NHS understand the importance of patients receiving healthy, nutritious, and balanced food, including fruit, vegetables, and proteins. The NHS’ National Standards for Food and Drink encourage the use of healthier, more sustainable menus that include an increased consumption of fruit, vegetables, and fibre.