MP secures Brexit debate

WearsideMPSharonHodgson was today due to open a Brexit debate on the impact leaving the EU without a deal could have on public sector catering.

The Labour MP for Washington and Sunderland West, who is also Shadow Public Health Minister and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on School Food, secured the Westminster Hall debate in order to raise concerns from public sector catering providers and users if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

It is estimated that more than 10.5 million people in the UK rely on public sector institutions – such as schools, universities, hospitals, care homes, meals on wheels and prisons – for at least some of their food.

The MP said: “I’m pleased to have secured this important debate in order to raise concerns from public sector catering providers and users about the future of the service in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

“I hope that we can avoid a no-deal Brexit, but it is extremely concerning that we are now in the month of Brexit and none the wiser about our future trade deals.

“High quality public sector catering is so important to the health and wellbeing of our children in schools, patients in hospitals and care homes and also prisoners. I am deeply concerned that no deal could mean no meal for millions of people in the UK.”

During the debate, she will raise concerns ranging from the quality, quantity and safety of food available to public sector providers, the cost of and availability of meals and workforce retention.