Concerns have been raised that ministers may abandon a popular pledge to prioritise British-grown food in schools and hospitals as part of government spending cuts.
Whitehall insiders have admitted to The Sun that the policy carries significant costs, sparking fears it could be scrapped in the chancellor’s push to find savings.
Such a move would deal another major blow to farmers, many of whom are already protesting recent changes to inheritance tax.
Before the general election, Sir Keir Starmer pledged that at least 50% of food served in public institutions would be British-grown - a commitment seen as a major boost for the farming industry by securing new customers.
The public sector spends over £2.4bn annually on food for schools, hospitals, and the military. Campaigners argue that supporting British farmers not only ensures high-quality, affordable food but also strengthens the UK’s agri-food economy.
Mo Metcalf-Fisher of the Countryside Alliance warned that any retreat from this pledge would be ‘another kick in the teeth’ for farmers. Speaking to The Sun, he urged the government to clarify when and how it will meet the 50% target, stating: “We cannot have another broken promise.”
Shadow Defra secretary Victoria Atkins accused the government of already ‘betraying’ farmers by raising inheritance tax and insisted they must not renege on this commitment as well.
A Defra spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to using public sector purchasing power to support British produce, aiming for 50% of food in hospitals, army bases, and prisons to be locally sourced or meet high environmental standards.
“As a crucial first step to delivering on our manifesto commitment, the government will now monitor the origins of food bought by the public sector,” they said.
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