Food insecurity

Early day motion 746, tabled 6 December 2021 by Ian Byrne (Labour). Signed by 49 members.

That this House recognises the horrific levels of food insecurity in the UK being experienced by approximately 11 million people; acknowledges the profound and devastating consequences of food insecurity on the health, wellbeing and livelihoods of people in our communities; notes with concern that the need for emergency food parcels remains well above pre-pandemic levels; further recognises that, as per Trussell Trust figures, food parcels given to children have increased at double the rate for adults compared to pre-pandemic levels; agrees that the Government has a duty to ensure nobody in our communities goes hungry; asserts that the Government’s duty should be reflected in legislation and that the right to food should be enshrined in UK law; recognises the many councils across the country that have declared themselves right to food cities and towns; recognises that the Trade Union Congress 2021 passed a motion calling for the right to food to be enshrined in law; recognises that the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has recommended the Government urgently consult on a legal right to food; calls on the Government to include the right to food in its White Paper in response to the National Food Strategy recommendations; and notes that the White Paper is due in early 2022.

Signatures by party: Labour 29, Scottish National Party 5, Liberal Democrat 4, Independent 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Alba 1, DUP 1, Green 1.