The British state has a troubling pattern when it comes to food security: it consistently ignores the issue until a crisis forces rapid, often inadequate action. This truth is painfully relevant today as the US-Israel war on Iran exposes the food system's deep dependency on oil, which fuels everything from transportation to fertilisers. Similar vulnerabilities were laid bare during Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the 2008 oil price surge, and the 1970s oil shock. Despite recent meetings between Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, and major food retailers, the government remains unprepared for the looming threats.
The Urgent Need for Political Realism
Politicians must shift focus from mere food price inflation to the core vulnerability of the food system itself. These issues are intertwined; inflation disproportionately affects low-income households, but the broader national security concern is consumers' dwindling capacity to spend. Even if the Middle East conflict ends immediately, inflationary pressures will persist for months due to our long, complex supply chains, which are highly susceptible to global disruptions. The solution lies in fostering shorter, diversified supply chains and providing stronger incentives for domestic food production. Currently, agriculture receives only 8.9% of gross value added in the agri-food system, with the bulk of profits contested by retailers, processors, and hospitality sectors.
Applying Defence Strategy to Food Security
Food security demands a defence-strategy approach. A recent report highlights that all UK retail food passes through just 131 distribution centres, making them prime targets in modern drone warfare. The government must act swiftly to protect food supplies from hybrid threats acknowledged in last June's national security strategy, including climate breakdown, ransomware attacks, cable cutting, drone probes, disinformation campaigns, and choke-point assaults. These vulnerabilities not only disrupt food availability but also weaken national resilience.
Regionalising Food Production
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs must prioritise regional food production. While the public expresses a desire for local food, purchasing habits favour global imports. A reality check is overdue: food systems depend on ecosystems, and Britain's favourite fruits like tangerines and bananas cannot be grown domestically, relying instead on oil-intensive transport. Strawberries have a limited growing season here. Consumer tastes are misaligned with seasonal, low-carbon growing capabilities, necessitating a readjustment of expectations. The UK produces only 62% of the food it consumes, importing 83% of its fruit. Rebuilding regional horticulture could drive the economic growth the Treasury seeks, yet promises of "securonomics" have yielded little action so far.
Addressing Food Inequality and Public Engagement
Shockingly, one in five people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are technically food insecure, lacking consistent access to nutritious food. Tackling this inequality now is crucial for building social cohesion and better preparedness during crises. Additionally, the public must be treated as adults regarding food security. Current government advice to store non-perishable food and water is insufficient. The scientific advisory committee on nutrition should develop resilience guidelines and plan for modern food rationing scenarios. Rationing, often stigmatised, is a reality in markets that fail during shocks, favouring only those with financial means.
Enhancing Storage and Local Initiatives
National and regional storage strategies require a rethink. Local authorities and mayors should be empowered to boost public engagement and establish civil food resilience committees to oversee local storage. Learning from other nations is essential: Switzerland stockpiles months of key commodities, Sweden is beginning similar efforts, China maintains secret stockpiles, and India legally guarantees food rights to its citizens. The UK lags behind in these proactive measures.
Promoting Allotments and Gardening Skills
Expanding allotments and supporting gardening organisations can help reskill consumers. The Royal Horticultural Society's 2025 report found that while 2.5 million people participated in gardening, over 14 million expressed interest. Growing food fosters collective wellbeing and health. Historical initiatives like Dig for Victory during World War II, organised with RHS support, offer a model. Today, academics, metro mayors, and regional councils should identify land suitable for diverse food production and facilitate community growing projects.
From Gaza to Ukraine and Sudan, food insecurity has become a hallmark of conflict, and this threat is now reaching British shores. What was once an anxiety is evolving into a tangible danger. The government must not evade the urgency of this moment. Tim Lang is professor emeritus of food policy at the Centre for Food Policy, City St George's, University of London.
