International turmoil means now must be the time to increase Britain’s food security, Tim Farron tells minister

On the floor of the House of Commons yesterday, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron urged Treasury ministers to back British farmers to increase food production, in the wake of global instability.

Last month, a report from the National Preparedness Commission said the UK’s post-second world war food system was no longer fit for purpose, and the country’s food security was in a precarious state.

The report said urgent action was needed to secure the UK’s food supply climate change-induced extreme weather, the imposition of tariffs and global insecurity, a report has warned.

Meanwhile Tim also joined farmers from Cumbria in Westminster yesterday at a Pancake Day rally organised by the National Farmers Union, to protest against the Government’s family farm tax.

Speaking in Parliament, Tim said: “Britain is only 55% food secure. In these deeply uncertain times internationally, is it not time to change policy when it comes to agriculture? 

“Is this not the day to get rid of the family farm tax, undo the 76% cut in basic payments and invest in the people who keep us food secure?

Responding, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray said: “As I have made clear to other honourable members, the changes to agricultural property relief are a fair way to raise the money necessary to balance the public finances.

“Britain has excellent food security, and that is a priority for the Government.”

Speaking afterwards, Tim said: “We import almost half of all the food that we eat – how on earth can the minister possibly paint that as ‘excellent food security’?

“The Government need to urgently wake up and back our farmers to produce more high quality nutritious food, rather than hammering them with cuts and tax rises.”