Brexit MQT answers September 19

Free School Meals in no-deal Brexit

Question No: 2019/17652

Andrew Dismore

How are you supporting London’s schools to provide nutritious food for children receiving free school meals in the event of a no-deal Brexit?

Free School Meals in no-deal Brexit

The Mayor

Last updated: 17 September, 2019

The London Resilience Forum (LRF) continues to look at the short-term implications of no-deal on food supply and distribution, alongside other critical areas. They are working with sector experts including members of the London Food Board to raise relevant concerns and understand how Government will maintain food supply, especially for the most vulnerable communities and children relying on free school meals. In June I put forward a blueprint for the now incumbent Prime Minister to address the huge challenges facing London and the UK.

At present, approximately 200,000 children are eligible for free school meals in London. My Healthy Schools London programme supports over 2,000 schools to provide healthy, nutritious food but schools typically lack the resources or capacity to stockpile food which means they are particularly vulnerable to any disruption.

I believe that a no-deal Brexit must be avoided at all costs. As I’ve said before, the Prime Minster must urgently revoke Article 50 and give the British public the final say.

Food supply

Question No: 2019/17653

Andrew Dismore

What contingency plans are in place to ensure Londoners have access to adequate and nutritious food in the event on a no-deal Brexit?

Food supply

The Mayor

Last updated: 17 September, 2019

The impact of any disruption remains difficult to determine, depending on factors including industry reaction and policy, UK and EU member state policy and, importantly, public behaviour. Just-in-time food supply chains are complex and have evolved over decades with access to free trade agreements across Europe.

The London Resilience Forum (LRF) continues to look at the short-term implications of no-deal on food supply and distribution, alongside other critical areas. They are exploring this with the London Food Board and its retail and hospitality sector representatives, working to understand how Government will maintain continuity of food supply.

The LRF has raised its concerns with Government about the unacceptable risks on food supply for vulnerable Londoners. In June I put forward a blueprint for the now incumbent Prime Minister to address the huge challenges facing London and the UK.

I believe that a no-deal Brexit must be avoided at all costs. As I’ve said before, the Prime Minster must urgently revoke Article 50 and give the British public the final say.

 

 

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