The Independent on food rationing

The Independent on food rationing

Written by Defra Press Office

The Independent is running an article, highlighting calls from a small number of professors for food rationing to be introduced to prevent the UK running short of fresh fruit and vegetables. Our supermarkets have been clear they are taking all necessary steps to ensure consumers have the food and supplies they need. The Independent did not approach us for a comment on this story and are yet to update their online piece with our statement.

The piece is referring to a letter sent to the Prime Minister by a group of professors, which claims 8.4 million people are at risk of potentially running out of the food they need.

Despite the headline of the article, the Government has been clear it will do whatever it takes to ensure people have the food and supplies they need and our supermarkets have repeatedly said we have all the stock we need to meet demand and the food supply chain is even able to expand production further if needed to meet any increased demand. These supermarkets are continuing to monitor their supply chains and are already taking action to limit the supply of certain items to make sure shelves are stocked.

The Government is doing all is can to support this effort - relaxing competition laws so retailers can work together to keep shops open and stocked. This involves sharing data on stock levels, pooling staff to meet demand, or sharing distribution depots and delivery vans. Government has also been working with local authorities to extend delivery hours to supermarkets so shelves can be replenished more quickly.

Over the weekend the Government announced that is working in partnership with the groceries industry, local government, local resilience and emergency partners on a new Local Support System to ensure vulnerable people will receive basic groceries. The Government and industry continue to work closely together to ensure people have the food and supplies they need.

A Government spokesperson said:

We will do whatever it takes to ensure people have the food and supplies they need. Retailers are continuing to monitor their supply chains and taking all the necessary steps to ensure consumers have the food and supplies they need.

Supermarkets are already taking action to limit the supply of certain items to make sure shelves are stocked and it is crucial we all respect and adhere to these decisions.

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