Food Bill

That this House recognises the growing importance of food security in the context of ongoing global instability and rising costs of food, fuel and energy; notes that the resilience of the food system must be treated as a core pillar of national security; further notes that England is the only country in the UK, and in Europe, which does not financially support farmers producing food; further recognises the vital role farmers play in maintaining an accessible and affordable food supply; acknowledges that farmers require appropriate support to safeguard the future resilience of the food system; calls on the Government to prioritise food security through committing to introducing a Food Bill this parliamentary term; also notes that a Food Bill would represent a significant step towards embedding an effective national food strategy, strengthening public procurement of nutritious British produce by certain public bodies, enhancing supply chain resilience and placing clear duties on public authorities to promote access to affordable and nutritious food; and further calls on the Government to formally recognise food security as national security and introduce a short-term cut to fuel duty that would reduce the cost of red diesel used across agriculture to help protect domestic food supply and support British farming.