MEAT-FREE MONDAYS CAMPAIGN

Early day motion 669, tabled 6 September 2010 by John Leech (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 33 members.

That this House acknowledges UN figures which suggest that meat production is responsible for approximately 18 per cent. of global carbon emissions; further acknowledges that methane, emitted by cows and pigs, is 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas; recognises that across the UK 1 million tonnes of beef, 1.3 million tonnes of pork and 1.8 million tonnes of poultry are consumed every year; further recognises that this level of meat consumption is detrimental to the health of the nation and increasingly to the public purse; further recognises that global meat production is forecast to almost double to 456 million tonnes in 2050 compared to 2001 levels; believes that current meat consumption levels are unsustainable if the Climate Change Act 2008 is to be successfully implemented to help the UK fight against climate change; calls for a shift towards less meat-oriented diets nationally; further recognises that meat-free Mondays would help to promote this; and further believes that Parliament should set an example by supporting meat-free Mondays in all cafeterias in the Houses of Parliament.

Signatures by party: Labour 22, Liberal Democrat 8, DUP 1, Green 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.