FWD offers support to Prime Minister letter

Federation signs Sustain Alliance letter to warn of no-deal dangers

FWD has joined a collection of groups to sign an open letter to Prime Minister Theresa May warning that a no deal Brexit could plunge millions of people in the UK into food crisis.

The letter, which was coordinated by the Sustain Alliance, spells out the dangers that Britain leaving the EU without an agreement could have, with the resulting food disruption and price rises likely to have a severe impact on many people.

And the group is calling the government to offer clarity over accountability and powers to mitigate food disruptions, clear communication on the challenges ahead, and plans for crisis support to ensure food supplies are guaranteed for the people who need it most.

As well as FWD, the letter has been signed by the National Association of Care Caterers, School Food Matters, Food for Life, Fareshare, the Trussell Trust, the Independent Food Aid Network and the Sustainable Food Cities network.

FWD Chief Executive James Bielby believes that it’s crucial that provisions are made before the concerns become a reality.

“There is a real risk that after a no deal Brexit, vulnerable groups that require food and drink will not have access to the full range of products that are available currently,” said Bielby. 

“Wholesalers will prioritise schools, hospitals and remote communities as far as possible but we need guidance from government on how food supply could potentially be triaged in the event of shortages of some commodities”

Bielby recently spoke on a Radio Four programme about Brexit and will also chair an Arena debate on the topic later this month.

Bielby Brexit Chief Executive EU food supplies FWD Government James Bielby petition Prime Minisiter sustain alliance Theresa May