Boris Johnson will present a “growth for Britain” strategy and tell farmers to produce more fruit and vegetables as a result of record inflation.
In a major announcement scheduled for Monday, the prime minister is set to present the country’s first food strategy in 75 years.
Changes should be made to planning rules to facilitate the conversion of land into farms, to announce that poultry workers will be eligible for seasonal migrant visas, and to propose that schools, prisons and hospitals be required. to Offer a Vegan Option
Plans were delayed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to place more emphasis on food security.
It comes amid a spiraling cost of living crisis, with inflation hovering above 10% this year, according to Bank of England figures.
Andrew Bailey, the governor of the Bank of England, has already warned of “apocalyptic” food prices and that interest rates will rise again to 1.25 per cent.
Johnson made his first visit to Tiverton and Honiton to Devon on Friday, one of two seats facing by-elections later this month. The cost of living is expected to be a key factor in the vote.
The Prime Minister and Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, were due to make a joint economic speech next week, but it has now been delayed.
Both are under pressure from senior Conservatives to do more to alleviate the cost of living, and cabinet ministers are understood to support calls to further reduce fuel taxes.
Amid attempts to restore his post as prime minister after a vote of confidence, Johnson will also propose to Parliament on Monday a major bill on Brexit, which will allow the government to repeal parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
He will later give a talk on technology and innovation and its contribution to economic growth.
“The cost of food has real consequences”
The food strategy, which has been leaked to The Telegraph, will say farmers need to be more productive and planning rules should be relaxed to facilitate the conversion of land into farms to grow fruit and vegetables.
It will be announced during a joint visit by Mr. Johnson and George Eustice, Secretary of the Environment, South West England.
The strategic document seen by The Telegraph states that “the cost of food has real consequences for people across the country” and that ministers are working “to address poverty as we learn to live with the latest events and manage ‘impact of the cost of living pressures’.
He added: “The strategy comes at a time of significant increases in food prices, largely as a result of energy prices and exacerbated by events in Ukraine, which is very difficult for people all over the world. country.
“We are working closely with the food industry to understand the impact of prices and any mitigation measures.”