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Food Supply

Asked by James McMurdockIndependentDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 11 March 2026UIN 118129

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to improve long-term food security.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

The Food Sector is one of the UK's 13 Critical National Infrastructure sectors. Defra and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are joint Lead Government Departments (LGDs), with Defra leading on supply and the FSA on food safety. Defra works closely with the Cabinet Office and other LGDs ensuring food supply is fully incorporated as part of emergency preparedness, including consideration of dependencies on other sectors. Defra works with industry and across Government to monitor risks that may arise. This includes extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply chains.

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