Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for School Food, joined over 80 organisations in signing a letter to David Davis, the new Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, and the new Prime Minister, Theresa May, to stress the importance on food and farming in the UK following the Brexit vote.

In the letter, concerns are expressed on the post-EU Referendum strategy for food and farming in the UK and argues that good food, farming and fishing policies must be central to any post-EU Referendum strategy; one of the key themes focuses on promoting healthier diets to combat heart disease, cancers, diabetes and obesity – especially amongst children – which can save the NHS millions in spending costs.

Further, the UK could prioritise ethical and sustainable production methods, improved animal welfare, more farmland and marine wildlife, a healthy future for bees and other pollinators, as well as enhancing the beauty of the countryside and protecting the environment, whilst also providing a safe and traceable food supply.

Following the signing of the letter, Sharon Hodgson MP said:

“It is important that during the EU exit negotiations over the coming months and years, that the benefits we have seen in improved farming and food practices are protected and not rolled back by leaving the EU.

“That is why I hope that during the negotiations that the Government makes sure our agricultural policy is central to any talks and issues around food, poverty, animal welfare, and food-related health matters continue to be worked on to create a better society.”

You can read the letter here.