Farmers urge MPs to support ‘Buy British Bill’
The ‘Buy British Bill’ has reached its Second Reading in the House of Commons as the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) urges Government to support it.
MP for Rotherham Sarah Champion’s Private Member’s Bill – Public Procurement (British Goods and Services) – was developed in partnership with the NFU, amending two existing Acts of Parliament that relate to public procurement requirements.
David Exwood, NFU deputy president, said: “We know there is huge support across the country for food served in the public sector to be British. Our own research shows 76% of the public want Government to commit to sourcing at least half of all food for schools, prisons and hospitals from British farms.”
He said that although public procurement of food amounted to over £2.4 billion in spending, there was no record to show how much of the food was supplied by British farmers.
“In our election manifesto, the NFU is calling on the next Government to commit to sourcing 50% of food into the public sector from British farms, and the reporting of the origin of public sector sourced food which is essential to monitor progress towards this ambition,” said Exwood. “This would guarantee more British farmers and growers delivering high quality, fresh, seasonal and affordable food to world-leading environmental and welfare standards into our schools, prisons, hospitals and the military.
“We fully support Sarah Champion for introducing her Bill and encourage all Parliamentarians to support it and back British food and farming.”
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