Julian demands support for business integral to our national food security
September 8, 2022
Today, Julian had the opportunity to question the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Ranil Jayawardena MP in the House of Commons about the importance of national food security.
Julian used his question to highlight the salience of rising energy prices and the potentially devastating impact that they can have on food security. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance and necessity of domestic food and energy security and has resulted in “Long-term decisions being made from farm to fork”.
Julian encouraged the Secretary of State to work across government with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to ensure that our great British businesses that work in food production, along with the wider supply chain have the necessary “support they need to tackle the rising energy crisis”.
The Secretary of State agreed with Julian and reassured him that the government is fully committed to ensuring that the United Kingdom continues to be able to “produce some of the best food in the world”. The Secretary of State also stated that the Prime Minister will offer more information on the matter as she begins to unveil her plan to tackle the energy crisis that we are currently facing.
After leaving the chamber, Julian said: “I welcome the Secretary of State commitment to this matter, however, I look forward to hearing more detail of how businesses will be supported, as well as individuals, in the current climate of rising energy.
Having navigated the difficulties of the pandemic, businesses risk being hit with another winter of uncertainty if the Government does not act. I will continue to speak up for local businesses and ensure they receive the support they desperately need.”
