MP briefing ahead of ‘National Food Strategy and Public Health’ Westminster Hall Debate, 15 December 2021.
In July 2021 Henry Dimbleby published his independent National Food Strategy - the result of two years of intensive research, engagement, and policy development. He laid out four strategic objectives for the food
system:
- escaping the junk food cycle;
- reducing diet-related health disparities;
- making the best of our land; and
- creating a long term shift in our food culture.
Amongst the recommendations was a call for a new Food Bill. The Government is set to respond with its own Food Strategy White Paper in 2022. Whether the Food Strategy White Paper contains a Food Bill is an essential test; bold action to fix the problems that our food system is causing will require legislation. If the Government does not commit to a Food Bill in their upcoming Food Strategy White Paper, this will be a marker that they are not serious about establishing the conditions that will support genuine, long-term food system transformation.
Much previous government policy on food has focussed on individual action and willpower. The Government now needs to give itself options to be bolder, to set a framework for long-term change, to break the cycle of ill health. It needs to support businesses to make the changes needed by levelling the playing field and making it easier to do the right thing.
Published Monday 13 December 2021
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
