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To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the Government is doing to reduce non-commodity costs affecting energy bills for charities.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the Government is doing to reduce non-commodity costs affecting energy bills for charities.
Our Clean Power 2030 mission is essential to cutting electricity prices for good. By accelerating the transition to clean, homegrown electricity, we are working to shield end-users from the volatility of fossil fuel prices and to deliver reliable, affordable energy to every part of the UK economy, including the third sector. We intend to consult on further steps to support the shift to cheaper, more secure power across the economy.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact global deforestation and desertification on the UK’s national food security, supply chains and food prices.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact global deforestation and desertification on the UK’s national food security, supply chains and food prices.
The UK imports 40% of its food and is therefore exposed to supply chain risks such as deforestation and desertification via food security and price impacts associated with food imports.
Defra routinely conducts and updates assessments on a range of threats. HMG pub-lishes assessments in the National Risk Register and Chronic Risks Analysis, includ-ing on biodiversity loss and its interactions with ecosystems, on gov.uk.
The Government is committed to supporting sustainable production, trade and use of deforestation linked products. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee, sponsored by Defra, have created the Global Environmental Impacts of Consumption indicator, an indicator which includes analysis of the impact of forest risk commodities in global supply chains. The indicator estimates that UK consumption drove 29,300 hectares of deforestation in 2023.
Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
Motion to consider. Agreed to on division (10 votes to 4).
Motion to consider. Agreed to on division (10 votes to 4).
What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on the impact of climate change on food prices.
What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on the impact of climate change on food prices.
Food prices depend on a range of factors, which have recently included Russia’s war in Ukraine and the subsequent energy price rises. Supporting our world-class farmers and food producers and driving down inflation are top priorities for the Government.
I thank the Secretary of State for his response. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit reports that energy costs and climate change have pushed up food bills by an average of £605 over the past two years, with climate change driving 60% of that increase. We already import £8 billion-worth of food from countries struggling with extreme weather. Obviously, we want to support those countries on an international level with climate adaptation. In terms of our food security here, will the Secretary of State review his predecessor’s decision to secretly scrap the horticulture strategy, which could have helped domestic growers and made us more resilient to the impact of climate change on food security and food prices?
I thank the Secretary of State for his response. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit reports that energy costs and climate change have pushed up food bills by an average of £605 over the past two years, with climate change driving 60% of that increase. We already import £8 billion-worth of food from countries struggling with extreme weather. Obviously, we want to support those countries on an international level with climate adaptation. In terms of our food security here, will the Secretary of State review his predecessor’s decision to secretly scrap the horticulture strategy, which could have helped domestic growers and made us more resilient to the impact of climate change on food security and food prices?
The hon. Lady raises an important point about the impact of climate change on food prices in the future. That is exactly why the Government passed the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 to help to unlock innovation and strengthen food security by enabling our leading scientists to develop crops that will best resist climate change. It is why the Government published the third national adaptation programme as recently as July, and it is why we have our farming innovation programme—with £270 million of funding—which is focused on driving productivity and ensuring that there is sustainability in the environmental and farming sectors.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries to the urgent question entitled Food Price Inflation on 23 March 2023, Official Report, column 432, what her planned timetable is for procuring 50...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries to the urgent question entitled Food Price Inflation on 23 March 2023, Official Report, column 432, what her planned timetable is for procuring 50...
We consulted on updates to the Government buying standards for food last year and plan to publish the response this summer. The updated standards will continue to encourage the public sector on a journey towards championing healthier, sustainable food, provided by a diverse range of suppliers.
In updating the standards, we must ensure we meet our domestic and international legal obligations, in particular under the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). There is already guidance available to support public sector contracting authorities to set aside contracts for SMEs and by location, for small contracts if they are under the GPA thresholds (thresholds are circa £200K, depending on the specific public sector body).
According to Citizens Advice, someone is being cut off from their energy supply every 10 seconds. With millions unable to afford to top up their prepayment meters, self-disconnections have rocketed. Is it not the Government’s and the energy regulator’s responsibility to ensure that people are not sitting at home in the cold and in the dark? As temperatures once again reach freezing point across the UK this week, will the Government introduce an immediate moratorium on the forced installation of prepayment meters while their use is reviewed?
According to Citizens Advice, someone is being cut off from their energy supply every 10 seconds. With millions unable to afford to top up their prepayment meters, self-disconnections have rocketed. Is it not the Government’s and the energy regulator’s responsibility to ensure that people are not sitting at home in the cold and in the dark? As temperatures once again reach freezing point across the UK this week, will the Government introduce an immediate moratorium on the forced installation of prepayment meters while their use is reviewed?
It is a matter of considerable concern that anybody should be removed from their power or heating. We have specifically asked the energy authorities not to go down that line and asked Ofgem to do the same. As I mentioned just moments ago, officials are actively working on this issue, with a letter ready to go to Ofgem as well. She is right to highlight this issue. We do not want to see people cut off during this cold weather. We will return to the House with more detail.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what financial support will be made available to Early Years settings after the rise of the energy price cap in April 2023.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what financial support will be made available to Early Years settings after the rise of the energy price cap in April 2023.
The Government is committed to carrying out a review of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme to inform decisions on future support after March 2023. Over the course of the review, the Government will be engaging widely to understand those who are most in need of further support. The Government cannot confirm which sectors will receive further support after 31st March 2023 until the review has concluded. The findings of the review will be published by the 31st December 2022.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what energy bill support the Government plans to make available for (a) housing associations and (b) vulnerable and low-income residents beyond April 2023.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what energy bill support the Government plans to make available for (a) housing associations and (b) vulnerable and low-income residents beyond April 2023.
The Government has committed to carrying out a review of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme by the end of the year to inform decisions on future support after March 2023, with any future support for those deemed eligible commencing on 1st April 2023 without a gap. The findings of the review will be published by the end of the year.
It is a little disappointing that the Minister could not just give a straightforward no to the question from the hon. Member for Lincoln (Karl McCartney). Moving on, however, there are more than 600 wind and solar projects in the UK that already have planning permission. Will the Government admit they made a mistake in stopping the development of onshore wind, and fast-track those projects? They already have planning permission and are ready to go ahead. They are the answer to meeting our energy needs in the future.
It is a little disappointing that the Minister could not just give a straightforward no to the question from the hon. Member for Lincoln (Karl McCartney). Moving on, however, there are more than 600 wind and solar projects in the UK that already have planning permission. Will the Government admit they made a mistake in stopping the development of onshore wind, and fast-track those projects? They already have planning permission and are ready to go ahead. They are the answer to meeting our energy needs in the future.
The evidence suggests that the UK is the fastest economy in the G7 in deploying renewables. Offshore wind costs have fallen by 60%. Of course, everyone can do more, but I do not accept the criticism that we have not been in the vanguard; we have been, and we are, and offshore wind and solar have been fundamental to reducing the cost of renewables. That is the best support against rising energy prices.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the introduction of import controls at UK ports in July 2021 on the price of food.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the introduction of import controls at UK ports in July 2021 on the price of food.
We have well established ways of working with the food industry and across the Government, including with the Devolved Administrations, on preparedness for and response to potential food supply chain disruptions.
We have identified and regularly monitor Category 1 food products which could be affected by the introduction of import controls and the potential impacts, and worked closely with the industry to support their contingency planning. We will continue to communicate the latest guidance regarding the importing of such products via the Government-led food industry engagement forums to help build understanding of the requirements for regulatory compliance. We are working with industry to help improve representation of food businesses and hauliers for pre-notification fitness testing to support trader readiness. Our assessment of risk is that overall food supply will be maintained.
Consumer food prices depend on a range of factors including agri-food import costs, domestic agricultural prices, domestic labour and manufacturing costs, and Sterling exchange rates. Some technical barriers to trade, such as sanitary and phytosanitary checks, will also apply for specific items to businesses trading with the EU. Changes in food prices can result from any of these factors. Most food industry sectors are accustomed to fluctuations in supply chain costs. These do not necessarily translate into price rises.
T7
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Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab):
Yellowhammer identified possible food shortages and food price rises that would have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups. What work are Ministers doing with schools, hospitals and frontline charities to make sure this is not an issue?
T7
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Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab):
Yellowhammer identified possible food shortages and food price rises that would have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups. What work are Ministers doing with schools, hospitals and frontline charities to make sure this is not an issue?
I am very grateful to the hon. Lady. I know how seriously she takes these issues. Through the XO Committee, we are working with local resilience forums and with the Department for Education, the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that vulnerable groups are protected come what may.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of the Government’s decision to not support the World Health Assembly's resolution on greater transparency for drug pricing on the affordability of medicines in the UK.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of the Government’s decision to not support the World Health Assembly's resolution on greater transparency for drug pricing on the affordability of medicines in the UK.
The United Kingdom participates in various transparency initiatives, including the European Integrated Price Information Database, the World Health Organization’s Pharmaceutical Pricing Reimbursement Information Network, and the Global Fund Price and Quality Database. However, the UK has a long-established and globally-recognised track record of assessing the price of new, innovative medicines according to their clinical value, rather than pricing by their development costs or international reference prices. We believe that is the right approach: ensuring the development of the best medicines in areas of high unmet need are rewarded. The Government could not, therefore, agree to a resolution which had the potential to increase medicines prices and reduce patient access, by reducing the ability of the NHS to undertake commercial negotiations with pharmaceutical companies on the price of new medicines. The approach taken by the National Health Service has meant we were the first country in Europe to offer innovative CAR-T therapies, alongside many other new medicines.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the effect on food (a) prices and (b) availability of UK food products ceasing to fall under EU country of origin labelling after the UK leaves the EU.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the effect on food (a) prices and (b) availability of UK food products ceasing to fall under EU country of origin labelling after the UK leaves the EU.
The most important drivers of change in the cost of food are commodity prices, exchange rates and oil prices. These forces affect all countries whether or not they are members of the EU. After the UK has left the EU, food originating in the UK will no longer be able to indicate EU origin. However, most foods are either sold under mandatory country of origin labelling requirements on fresh meats or voluntary country of origin schemes. Existing provisions for mandatory country of origin labelling will be brought across to UK legislation through the EU Withdrawal Act. We therefore do not envisage any significant impacts on either food availability or prices.
The Command Paper includes the line:
“We will adopt a trade approach which promotes… lower prices for consumers”,
which I find rather worrying. Is it not the case that food prices are already historically low? Lower prices will not do anything for British farmers. We need good-quality, affordable and healthy food, not a race to the bottom to get ever cheaper food.
The Command Paper includes the line:
“We will adopt a trade approach which promotes… lower prices for consumers”,
which I find rather worrying. Is it not the case that food prices are already historically low? Lower prices will not do anything for British farmers. We need good-quality, affordable and healthy food, not a race to the bottom to get ever cheaper food.
The point that we are making is that in the long term, there may be opportunities in certain sectors, particularly for food that we are unable to produce in this country, to have lower prices for certain products. However, the hon. Lady makes an important point. Generally, we have low and stable food prices in this country, and countries that are fully dependent on importing all their food tend to have higher prices and less choice.
The Minister said that Brexit would not have much impact on prices. I suggest that he speak to his former Conservative colleague Laura Sandys, the head of the Food Foundation, which has said that Brexit could mean an increase of £158 a year in what the average family spends on fruit and veg. Will he ensure that the horticultural sector, which has been much neglected by successive Governments, is given the priority that it deserves in the agriculture Bill?
The Minister said that Brexit would not have much impact on prices. I suggest that he speak to his former Conservative colleague Laura Sandys, the head of the Food Foundation, which has said that Brexit could mean an increase of £158 a year in what the average family spends on fruit and veg. Will he ensure that the horticultural sector, which has been much neglected by successive Governments, is given the priority that it deserves in the agriculture Bill?
As the hon. Lady may know, I studied horticulture and worked in the horticultural industry for 10 years. As we design a new agriculture policy, there is a real opportunity to support innovation in all sectors, including horticulture.
The Competition and Markets Authority will publish its remedies for the energy retail market next week, but what does the Minister think should be done to address the persistent exploitation by the big six of their most loyal customers? New customers
are attracted with loss-leading tariffs, whereas the most vulnerable customers are often kept on the highest tariffs. What consideration has the Secretary of State given to a proposal by Ovo Energy that Ofgem set a 12-month social tariff for which all the suppliers’ most vulnerable customers should be auto-enrolled?
The Competition and Markets Authority will publish its remedies for the energy retail market next week, but what does the Minister think should be done to address the persistent exploitation by the big six of their most loyal customers? New customers
are attracted with loss-leading tariffs, whereas the most vulnerable customers are often kept on the highest tariffs. What consideration has the Secretary of State given to a proposal by Ovo Energy that Ofgem set a 12-month social tariff for which all the suppliers’ most vulnerable customers should be auto-enrolled?
The hon. Lady raises an important point. We have taken several helpful steps to encourage switching; we had a campaign to do that at the end of the previous Parliament, and we had outreach campaigns to support local communities in getting to the harder-to-reach people, so there are great opportunities for switching. However, I accept her point that there are still people on a default tariff, so something needs to be done to access them. That is why we referred this to the Competition and Markets Authority, and I very much look forward to its response and, hopefully, to taking its guidelines to ensure we address that.
What assessment he has made of the effects of trends in food prices on public health.
What assessment he has made of the effects of trends in food prices on public health.
The Government monitor trends in food prices. We are obviously aware that for some families money is tight, but that is one of the reasons why in my area—public health—we are investing in programmes such as Change4Life. Public Health England has done a great job with Change4Life. Since its launch, more than 1.9 million families have joined, and the Meal Mixer app, for example, has been downloaded more than 1 million times and contains hundreds of quick, healthy and affordable family recipes.
I thank the Minister for that response. Some of the things that she mentioned involve people being in a position to make choices about the food that they buy, and we know that the extent of food poverty is such that many people do not have the luxury of being able to do that. Is the Minister aware of the Trussell Trust and Oxfam report, which warns that people in food poverty are buying lower quality food and less food overall, giving rise to a real problem of malnutrition in children?
I thank the Minister for that response. Some of the things that she mentioned involve people being in a position to make choices about the food that they buy, and we know that the extent of food poverty is such that many people do not have the luxury of being able to do that. Is the Minister aware of the Trussell Trust and Oxfam report, which warns that people in food poverty are buying lower quality food and less food overall, giving rise to a real problem of malnutrition in children?
I am sure that, like me, the hon. Lady welcomes the news this morning that food price inflation is at an annual rate of 0%, so food prices are at the same level as last year. On the issue that she raises, that is exactly why programmes such as Change4Life are important. It is also important that we see other measures across Government. The school food plan is important for its emphasis on nutrition, as are free school meals
and the Healthy Start programme. The Government are doing lots of things to try to make it easier for less well-off families to eat healthily.