A new report from leading think tank Policy Exchange has revealed the growing threats to the UK's food security and outlined critical actions for the Labour government to safeguard the nation's food supply.
The report, Strengthening the UK’s Food Security: Innovation and Investment in the Food Manufacturing Sector, calls for an urgent overhaul of the country's approach to food security, placing it at the heart of industrial strategy and economic growth plans.
The findings highlight that previous efforts have been too narrowly focused on agriculture, failing to consider the entire food ecosystem, which includes manufacturing, logistics, and retail. With a 30% drop in investment in food and drink manufacturing since 2019, despite the sector generating £142 billion in turnover, the report stresses the need for a broader, more coordinated strategy.
Among the key recommendations is the development of a National Food Security Strategy, overseen by a dedicated Cabinet committee, to ensure coordinated efforts across the entire food supply chain. It also proposes the creation of a Food Security Transformation Fund to drive innovation and technological investment, and a streamlined approval process for food products already vetted by trusted international regulators.
The report comes after several years of supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and climate change, which have pushed food prices to new highs. It calls for greater resilience in the supply chain to protect against future geopolitical shocks, including measures to allow flexibility in sourcing ingredients during crises.
Labour MP Sharon Hodgson emphasised the importance of acting swiftly, warning that the most vulnerable in society are disproportionately affected by food insecurity. Support for the report also came from across the political spectrum, with calls for the government to take decisive action to ensure the UK’s food system remains stable, sustainable, and secure for the future. Industry leaders echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of long-term investment to balance domestic production with international trade.
As the government faces growing global challenges, the need to prioritise food security has never been more urgent. The report lays out a clear path forward, urging the Labour government to act now to protect both the economy and the nation's food supply.
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