VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Government Departments: Catering

Asked by Mike ReaderLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 10 June 2026UIN 5798

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department will be strengthening the animal welfare provisions of the Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

The National Procurement Policy Statement underscores the government’s commitment to increasing procurement of food that meets higher environmental standards, supporting local suppliers and upholding ethical sourcing practises, including sourcing products raised to high UK welfare standards.

While Defra has begun collecting new data to understand public sector food sourcing, the Government is open to considering all lawful means to increase sustainable and locally sourced food.

The Government is also considering policy options including the potential for updating the Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim