By Abbas Nazil
Britain should begin stockpiling food immediately to prepare for potential disruptions caused by climate change, war, or other global crises, a leading food policy expert has warned.
Professor Tim Lang of City St George’s, University of London, said the United Kingdom’s food system is highly vulnerable because the country produces far less food than it consumes and depends heavily on imports from other nations.
Speaking at a conference organised by the National Farmers’ Union in Birmingham, Lang cautioned that the current structure of Britain’s food supply chain leaves the country exposed to serious risks if global trade is disrupted.
According to the government’s UK Food Security Report 2021, the UK produces only about 54 percent of the food it needs, making it one of the least food self-sufficient countries in Europe.
Lang warned that Britain has relied too heavily on the assumption that other countries will always be able to supply food, an assumption that may not hold during global emergencies such as wars, climate disasters, or major economic crises.
In comparison, countries like the United States, France and Australia can produce enough food domestically to feed their populations if international supply chains are disrupted.
Even densely populated European countries perform better in terms of self-sufficiency.
The Netherlands produces roughly 80 percent of its food needs, while Spain produces about 75 percent.
Lang’s report for the National Preparedness Commission also highlighted the concentration of the UK’s food distribution system, which relies on a relatively small number of logistics hubs.
Around 12,000 supermarkets across the country depend on just 131 distribution centres to supply food, creating a potential vulnerability if these hubs are disrupted by cyberattacks, conflict, or other emergencies.
Major supermarket chains dominate the food retail sector, further increasing the risks associated with supply disruptions.
For instance, the retailer Tesco alone provides nearly one-third of the country’s retail food supply and operates through about 20 distribution centres.
Lang warned that a disruption affecting even one or two major retailers could severely affect national food availability and trigger shortages.
Recent declines in domestic production have worsened the situation.
Output of wheat, beef, poultry and vegetables in the UK has fallen over the past year, raising additional concerns about long-term food security.
Experts say that even a relatively small interruption in supply chains could lead to food shortages and potentially cause social unrest.
Lang also pointed out that the UK currently has no specific laws requiring authorities to ensure the population is fed during national emergencies, while funding for civil defence preparedness remains limited.
He added that changes following the Brexit have made the system more fragile by reducing agricultural subsidies and complicating food imports from European countries.
The report concludes that unless the UK improves domestic production and establishes emergency food reserves, the country could face serious food supply challenges during future global crises.