Right to have enough food could be enshrined in Scots Law

A Labour MSP says plans to enshrine a right to food in Scots Law will “send a clear message that hunger has no place in Scotland”.

Elaine Smith said the right to have enough to eat is “one of the most vital issues in this country” as she launched a consultation on her plans.

The Right to Food (Scotland) Bill will also look to set up an independent statutory body to oversee food policy.

The 12-week consultation on the Bill comes after English footballer Marcus Rashford helped ensure the UK Government will continue to help the families of youngsters who would normally receive free school meals over the summer holidays.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Scottish Government will give councils £12.6 million to provide free meals over the school break.

Ms Smith said: “As Marcus Rashford demonstrated last week, the right to food is one of the most vital issues in this country and one that is badly neglected.

“In this time of crisis, things that so many of us take for granted, like the availability of healthy food, have been revealed as being of critical importance.

“Food policy has not been given the priority it deserves by the Scottish Government.

“With Covid-19 throwing sharp focus on our food system, it is time for that to change.”

She added: “No one should be going hungry in a wealthy nation like Scotland.

“By enshrining the internationally recognised right to food in Scots Law for the first time we can send a clear message that hunger has no place in a country like Scotland.”