UK parties ignoring food shortage risks, say farming and retail bodies

Empty shelves at a Morrisons supermarket in London, February 2023. The farming and retail bodies said food security had not been on the agenda of any of the parties. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Farmers and supermarkets have accused the main political parties of ignoring the risk of severe food shortages in Britain, calling the issue a “worrying blind spot” in their general election campaigns.

The UK’s main farming and food and drink bodies have joined forces to voice their frustration at the lack of focus on food security by politicians as the attempt to gain votes, despite the headwinds faced by producers.