Henry Dimbleby discusses Labour’s food policy approach

Henry Dimbleby delivered a critical analysis of the new Government's approach to food policy and outlined several key initial actions to be taken during the Centre for Food Policy’s highly anticipated Food Thinkers webinar in July, which was chaired by the Centre’s Director Professor Christina Vogel.

As co-founder of the food chain Leon and author of the independent review of UK food systems – which outlined 14 recommendations for improved health, sustainability and equality – Henry understands food and business systems.

Two weeks after the UK General Election, Henry spoke frankly to a live audience of around 400 about what he views as the Government’s food policy priorities for its first 100 days in office. He urged them to use their large majority to implement necessary, albeit potentially unpopular, food policies.

The talk underscored the complexity and collaborative approach needed for food system reorientation, and he called for a comprehensive, detailed and committed approach from the Government to ensure long-term success and sustainability in UK food policy.

A crucial transition

During the talk, Henry emphasised the importance of the food system transformation, which he considers the second most critical societal shift after energy and transport. He highlighted the food system’s impact on biodiversity, water resources, pollution, soil health, deforestation and climate change. Additionally, he pointed out the direct link between poor food systems and major health issues, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which ultimately affect workforce productivity and the NHS's sustainability.

“The Labour Government needs to address food system issues to succeed in two of its five missions: economic growth and a fit-for-future NHS,” Henry said.

Government intervention

Expressing disappointment over the Labour manifesto, Henry spoke specifically about its lack of detailed food policy plans. He noted a few commitments, such as free breakfast clubs, adherence to environmental targets, and the introduction of a land use framework. However, he found these commitments insufficient for a substantial food policy shift.

He praised the commitment to a land use framework, and said he considered it essential for managing the UK’s scarce land resources. But Henry also stressed that more concrete actions are needed to address the food system's deep-rooted issues.

Reflecting on the Conservative Government’s response to his National Food Strategy, he acknowledged some progress on environmental issues but noted significant backtracking on health and inequality. He expressed hope that the Labour Government would take more decisive action across all three domains.

Opportunities for leadership

After outlining the UK’s potential to lead globally in food policy, Henry praised the country’s advanced digital health records, robust academic and biotech sectors, and progressive environmental and agricultural frameworks. The UK, he argued, has the chance to set global standards through trade deals that are responsible, and consider the environment and health, thereby influencing international food production practices.

He highlighted that over 90% of NHS health records are digitised, providing a unique opportunity to understand and address health problems on a societal scale. This, combined with the UK’s strong academic base, particularly in biological sciences, positions the country to spearhead innovations in food policy.

Bold action needed

Henry concluded by stressing the urgency and opportunity for the UK to address food policy. He outlined the need for a clear roadmap on food systems transformation to facilitate appropriate private and public investment and the need for a Number 10 delivery unit on food policy. He urged the Labour Government to take bold actions within their first 100 days with a specific focus on: i) mandatory reporting on health and environmental metrics by large food and drink companies, ii) making accreditation of schools mandatory, and iii) extending the sugary drinks levy to milk drinks to help set the mandate for a future sugar and salt tax.

“We have a real opportunity to show how this can be done,” he said, encouraging audience engagement and collaboration in the effort to transform the food system.

Watch the full webinar