Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the finding by the Office for National Statistics that inflation for food and non-alcoholic drinks is at the highest level in 45 years, having risen by over 19 per cent in the year to March; and what steps they are taking in response to that finding.

The UK, like many other economies, currently faces global pressures on food prices. We recognise that food inflation is causing pressure to families across the country, which is why it is essential that we stick to the plan to halve inflation this year.

The independent Office for Budget Responsibility’s March Economic and Fiscal Outlook forecasts that inflation in food, beverages and tobacco will fall to 6.9% by the end of 2023.

We are helping the most vulnerable, who are the worst affected by rising food prices, by providing cost-of-living support worth an average of £3300 per household over this year and last.