UK food imports at risk over climate change and Brexit

Around a fifth of the UK’s fresh food imports could be at risk as climate change threatens key producing regions and Brexit raises trade uncertainty.

According to the Environmental Audit Committee formed by MPs, Britons could face a sudden jump in food prices if a no-deal Brexit results in trade troubles such as delays and shortages as 40% of all UK food comes from overseas.

The report also found that people’s health could be at risk from the spread of new diseases and heat stress as the climate warms and diets worsen.

"Everything we do to the planet, we do to ourselves," said EAC chair Mary Creagh. "The health of the planet matters because it affects what we eat and whether we can eat in future. Nearly 20% of the UK's fruit and vegetables come from countries at risk from climate breakdown.

“More people are living in cities at risk from over-heating and water shortages, they're breathing polluted air, eating more fast food and getting less exercise. What's needed is a planetary health champion to put this agenda at the heart of government."

The report called for the government to set out clear plans for how it intends to maintain food security in the face of a changing climate and no-deal Brexit.

The MPs also called for a national food council that would cover food production, nutrition and public health issues, and for stringent annual targets to reduce the UK’s high levels of food waste.