What's on the menu for polling day?

Immigration, crime, the financial crisis – these are the battle lines drawn for this month’s election campaign.

But the parties’ policies on the future of the UK’s food production will affect voters just as much as border controls, bobbies on the beat and fat cat bank bonuses.

The Food Ethics Council has analysed the speeches and policy statements of the Labour Party, the Conservatives, and the Liberal Democrats to find out what shape our food system might take after the general election on May 6th.

We found that:

• Conservative aims to free up trade and cut red tape may put a strain on their wider environmental commitments;
• While Labour lead efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our diets there is concern they could not sustain funding for agri-environmental schemes; and
• The Liberal Democrats would include agriculture, forestry and land management in the UK’s mandatory scheme to save energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr. Tom MacMillan said:
“Food is as political as ever. The parties are divided over the future for farming and environmental protection. But do any party policies go far enough in supporting a food system that is fair to people and planet?

“Whoever wins the election will be given a mandate to serve up a diet that fundamentally affects the lives of 61 million Britons.”

Our analysis assesses how food policy would change under a Conservative or Labour government, and if there is a hung parliament. You can read it here.

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Notes to editors
1. The Food Ethics Council works towards a food system that is fair and healthy for people and the environment.
2. Our independent advice to business, government and civil society helps find a way through controversial issues and supports better choices in food and farming.