The Vegan Society’s response to the government’s policy paper on Food Strategy in England, published on 15 July 2025
Claire Ogley, Head of Campaigns, Policy and Research at The Vegan Society said:
“The Vegan Society welcomes the government's clear recognition of the problems within our current food system in its new ‘Good Food Cycle’ policy paper, including the urgent need to drive up fruit and vegetable consumption in the UK and the recognition that intensive animal agriculture is very environmentally destructive.
“However, the proof will be in the pudding: does the Government have the guts to follow through on its vision of a healthy and sustainable food system with the ambitious policy action that is needed to drive a transition to plant-rich diets?
“Such diets have huge transformative potential for public health, the environment and animal welfare and our research shows that this could save the NHS 6.7 billion per year.
“The government in Denmark – the home of bacon and butter! – has already recognised this potential and has implemented a plant-based action plan. If the Danes can do it then our government can and must take further sensible, pragmatic, action to make plant-based foods accessible, affordable and attractive to a public hungry for change.
“The government must provide practical education for the general public about reducing meat and dairy consumption and instead growing, preparing and cooking fruit, vegetables, pulses and wholegrains.
“We need integrated and holistic public health campaigns to promote fruit and vegetable consumption and we must help farmers make the transition to sustainable plant-based agriculture.
“The Vegan Society looks forward to engaging with the forthcoming policy process to deliver what’s best for Britain.”
