Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated) on Thursday, 19 October 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 November 2023. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 October 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Food Supply

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Sustainability journal article 'Scoping Potential Routes to UK Civil Unrest via the Food System: Results of a Structured Expert Elicitation', published on 12 October, which found that 45 per cent of people surveyed believed civil unrest was possible in the future due to climate-induced food shortages; and what steps they are taking in response.

Answer: The UK has a highly resilient food supply chain which has coped well in responding to unprecedented challenges. We have in place a robust system for assessing and managing the risks facing the UK. The National Risk Register published earlier this year sets out our assessment of the risk landscape facing the United Kingdom, including risks to the food system, risks arising from climate change, and the risk of public disorder. We have in place comprehensive plans to monitor and build resilience to specific risks, including risks to the food system, as reflected in the Government Food Strategy, National Adaptation Programme and UK Food Security Report.

Secondary information