Food strategy 'not a failure,' PM insists despite criticism it 'dodges salt and sugar tax'

13 June 2022, 10:22 | Updated: 13 June 2022, 12:05

Boris Johnson spoke to LBC's Nick Ferrari
Boris Johnson spoke to LBC's Nick Ferrari. Picture: LBC/Alamy

By Patrick Grafton-Green

Boris Johnson has insisted his vision for the food industry is not a "failure" amid significant criticism from the Government's own food tsar.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Leon founder Henry Dimbleby said the strategy lacked measures he had recommended to promote health while concerns were also raised that children could go hungry.

Nick Ferrari this morning put Mr Dimbleby's comments to the Prime Minister, saying the "landmark plan" was "not a strategy" and "doesn't set out a clear vision as to why we have the problems we have".

READ MORE: 'It's the government’s job': PM hits back at Charles in Rwanda migrants flights row

READ MORE: Boris warns EU against trade war as he dismisses NI protcol changes as 'trivial'

Nick also pointed out it "dodged the idea of salt and sugar tax" and has "done nothing to try and bring about a reduction in the consumption of meat".

A draft of the strategy was leaked last week, with the final version set to be launched today.

Mr Johnson insisted that "what we are looking at is supporting UK farmers, supporting British agriculture", adding: "Frankly, we have got an opportunity now to eat much more domestic produce and improve our food security."

"I'm very grateful to Henry for all the work he has done. This is about helping to support UK food and farming at a particularly important time," he said.

Boris Johnson: The government is making tax cuts as fast as we can

He pointed to a global "food crisis" including a "shortage of grain around the world" caused Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

He said the strategy was about "more security and stability in our supplies".

The Prime Minister added that innovation and technology in agriculture could "bring costs down for consumers", pointing to a machine that can plant "150,000 cabbages a day".

He insisted his vision would mean "we don't waste a lot of time and money importing stuff when we can grow it beautifully here in the UK".

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Pete Doherty of The Libertines has shared a worrying health update.

Pete Doherty risks having toes amputated in battle with Type 2 Diabetes, rock star tells fans in health update

£60 Million Worth of Watches Stolen in Britain Last Year Amid Rising Global Watch Crime

UK faces surge in luxury watch theft as stolen timepieces top £1.6 billion with £60 million taken in Britain last year alone

A graphic depiction of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, the two documentary makers behind the project are now facing criticism over the children featured.

BBC blasted for 'blindly spouting propaganda' over claims Gaza documentary features Hamas leader's son

Alice da Silva Aguiar was one of the three children killed

Mother of Southport attack victim praises local community as she speaks out for the first time since knife rampage

Price reduction. Shopping basket containing only reduced price food, England, UK

UK inflation rises to 3% as households feel the squeeze

Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - February 18, 2025

ASAP Rocky embraces Rihanna as US rapper found not guilty of firing gun at former friend

Trump suggests Ukraine responsible for Russian invasion as he calls on country to elect new leader

Trump demands Zelenskyy hold elections as he suggests Ukraine responsible for Russian invasion

Rick Buckler

Rick Buckler, drummer of The Jam, dies aged 69 - former bandmate Paul Weller confirms

Kitchen knives on a magnetic bar holder on the wall

Round-edged blades safer alternatives than sharp-pointed kitchen knives, research shows - in bid to tackle knife crime

A large sinkhole has forced the closure of the high street in the Surrey village of Godstone

Homes evacuated and major incident declared after 65ft sinkhole appears in Surrey village

Lydia Mugambe

United Nations judge forced woman to work as slave after tricking her to come to UK, court hears

Craig and Lindsay Foreman

Did motorbike couple's 'happiness' survey prompt arrest on spying charges in Iran?

Abdirahman Ibrahim has been convicted of murder after driving into the back of Liam Jones

Killer driver mows down e-bike rider to 'teach him lesson' for doing wheelies

The Vatican says Pope Francis is being treated for 'bilateral pneumonia'

New scans show Pope Francis has pneumonia in both lungs but Vatican says he remains ‘in good spirits’

Meghan

Meghan Markle could face 'legal action' from Spanish town as her new luxury brand logo faces resemblance to coat of arms

The father of murdered schoolgirl Sara Sharif is reportedly being protected by a 'Muslim gang'

Sara Sharif's father protected by 'Muslim gang' in jail after being attacked with jagged tuna lid