Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski is set to deliver a stark warning about the UK’s food system, describing it as “close to collapse” and asserting that food workers’ contributions are “sneered at.” He will use a speech on Monday to call for greater support for farmers.
Mr Polanski will advocate for robust regulation of supermarkets to ensure growers receive a fair deal for their produce. He is also expected to demand that the Government present a “real plan” to bolster the struggling agricultural sector.
Among the Greens’ proposals are extending free school meals to all primary and secondary pupils. They also suggest a £1,000-a-month basic income for some agricultural workers, which they state would be financed through a levy on the wealthiest landowners.
Furthermore, the party pledges a universal £15 per hour minimum wage for all workers, irrespective of age, with the costs for small businesses mitigated by reductions in their National Insurance contributions.
Speaking to the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union on Monday, Mr Polanski will say: “Just a couple of weeks ago, we saw the hottest May day ever recorded in the UK.
“By the beginning of May, the UK had received 23% less rain than average. The Climate Change Committee warns that within 25 years we could see temperatures above 40C.
“That doesn’t just mean more people getting sick from extreme heat, or more pressure on infrastructure that just isn’t built for these temperatures. As many of you in this room well know, it has terrifying implications for the most fundamental need we all have – food.”
open image in galleryThe party leader will tell audience members their work “keeps the country moving” but “all too often, that fact is forgotten”.
He will say: “Your work is sneered at, shrugged off, or taken for granted. Your pay doesn’t match the importance of the work you do – and doesn’t keep up with your rising bills.
“Your hours get longer, you’re expected to work in increasingly hot or wet conditions, you’re on a precarious contract so you’re scared to take sick leave or have a day off to spend with your kids.
“The system is broken. And under increasing strain from the climate crisis, it’s close to collapse.”
Labour accused the Green leader of chasing “cheap headlines”.
open image in galleryA party spokesperson said: “If Zack Polanski had bothered to do his research, he would know Labour is already investing £200 million to help Britain’s farming sector adapt to a changing climate to help us guarantee food security for the long term.
“Keir Starmer’s Labour Government is the first to ever commit to maintaining domestic food production levels and bringing forward vital protections for farmers in the supply chain.
“While Zack Polanski chases cheap headlines, Labour is focused on easing the cost of living, supporting our farmers, and making sure we deliver the food security Britain needs.”