NHS Food Decision Will Hit Farmers More Than It Will Reduce Climate Change - Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats)

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Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats <info@brecon-radnor-libdems.org.uk>

NHS Food Decision Will Hit Farmers More Than It Will Reduce Climate Change - Williams

January 26, 2009 5:00 PM

Roger Williams MP, Liberal Democrat Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson, has criticised an announcement by the NHS that they would reduce meat and dairy procurement in order to tackle greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr Williams said:

"Many NHS buildings are already highly energy efficient and all new buildings are constructed to very high standards.

"The Government should be encouraging organisations within the public sector to source their food from British sources; not only would this reduce food miles and carbon footprints but it would also stimulate many local economies in these difficult economic times.

"While I support attempts to reduce greenhouse gas emission all the evidence shows that a healthy diet is a mixed diet and the NHS should consider this before removing perfectly healthy items from the menu for minimal carbon savings.

"This latest decision by the NHS will do little to help reduce the emissions from individual buildings but will be a significant blow to dairy and livestock farmers."

NOTES:

Food accounts for roughly 2% of NHS greenhouse gas emissions, compared with energy (22%) and travel (18%)

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