Food Security Crisis: UK Must Act Now to Reduce Reliance on Imports
Britain has a troubling history with food security, consistently ignoring the issue until a crisis forces rapid, often inadequate action. This pattern is resurfacing as the US-Israel war on Iran exposes the food system's deep dependency on oil, which fuels transportation, fertilisers, and our trips to supermarkets. Similar vulnerabilities were laid bare during Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the 2008 oil price surge, and the 1970s oil shock. When Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds summoned major food retailers recently, it highlighted governmental awareness but a lack of preparedness for these impacts.
In reality, the UK is flooded with expert advice on solutions. A report for the National Preparedness Commission, titled Just in Case, advocates for diversifying supplies, boosting domestic food production, moving away from oil-based farming, and involving the public in preparing for future shocks. Defence analysts have also been pressing for action, underscoring the urgency.
Key Steps to Strengthen Food Security
First, politicians must shift focus from food price inflation to the systemic vulnerability of the food supply. While inflation disproportionately affects low-income households, the broader national security issue now centres on consumers' spending capacity. Even if the Middle East conflict ends immediately, inflationary pressures will persist for months due to long, complex supply chains that are easily disrupted by global events. We need shorter, diversified chains with stronger incentives for domestic primary producers. Currently, agriculture receives only 8.9% of gross value added in the agri-food system, with retailers, processors, and hospitality dominating profits.
Second, defence-strategy thinking should be applied to food security. All UK retail food passes through just 131 distribution centres, making them prime targets in modern drone warfare. Rapid protection is essential against hybrid threats acknowledged in the government's national security strategy, including climate breakdown, ransomware, cable cutting, drone probes, disinformation, and choke-point attacks. These vulnerabilities weaken the nation by disrupting food supplies.
Third, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs must prioritise regionalising food production. Public desire for local food clashes with actual purchases of global imports. A reality check is needed: food systems rely on ecosystems. Britain's favourite fruits, such as tangerines and bananas, cannot be grown domestically and depend on oil for transport, while strawberries have a limited growing season. Consumer tastes must align with seasonal, low-carbon options. The UK grows only 62% of its consumed food and imports 83% of its fruit. Rebuilding regional horticulture could drive economic growth, a promise hinted at by Rachel Reeves' "securonomics" concept but yet to materialise.
Fourth, addressing food inequality is crucial. One in five people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are technically food insecure, lacking consistent access to nutritious food. Tackling this now would enhance social cohesion and better prepare the population for crises.
Fifth, the public deserves honest communication about food security. The government's Prepare campaign, advising storage of non-cook food and water, is insufficient. The scientific advisory committee on nutrition should develop resilience guidelines and plan for modern food rationing. Markets inherently ration but fail during shocks, favouring only the wealthy.
Sixth, national and regional storage must be rethought. Local authorities and mayors should gain powers to boost public engagement and establish civil food resilience committees for local storage oversight. Learning from other countries is vital: Switzerland stores months of key commodities, Sweden is beginning stockpiling, China secretly stockpiles, and India consolidates grain reserves with a legal right to food for its citizens.
Finally, expanding allotments and leveraging gardening organisations can reskill consumers. The Royal Horticultural Society's 2025 report found that while 2.5 million people gardened, over 14 million expressed interest. Growing food fosters collective wellbeing and health. A new land strategy is needed, reminiscent of the Dig for Victory campaign during World War II, with academics and local leaders identifying suitable land for diverse food production.
From Gaza's famine to Ukraine's port destruction and Sudan's food blockades, food insecurity is a hallmark of conflict now reaching British shores. What was once an anxiety has become a tangible threat. The government must not evade this urgent moment.
