'Eat meat and drink beer' - Gov's response to possibility of UK food and CO2 shortages

Is the UK prepared for potential food and CO2 shortages if war in the Middle East continues beyond the summer?

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: "If any of these things change [food or CO2 shortages], I will be upfront with the public about it in advance so we can prepare. But right now, people should go on as they are enjoying beer, enjoying meats and enjoying their salads."
Image:

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: "If any of these things change [food or CO2 shortages], I will be upfront with the public about it in advance so we can prepare. But right now, people should go on as they are enjoying beer, enjoying meats and enjoying their salads."

A Cabinet Secretary has responded to claims that the Government is preparing for the possibility of food and carbon dioxide (CO2) shortages in the UK as a 'worst case scenario' should war in the Middle...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Politics

Red diesel costs to be cut by a third for UK farmers, Starmer reveals

Red diesel costs to be cut by a third for UK farmers, Starmer reveals

Farmers have faced significant pressure with spiralling red diesel costs since war in the Middle East escalated in February. Will the Government's support be too little too late or welcome news for the sector?

Chris Brayford
clock 20 May 2026 • 5 min read
Iran war: Middle East instability placing untold pressure on tenant farmers

Iran war: Middle East instability placing untold pressure on tenant farmers

TFA said war in the Middle East is squeezing tenant farm businesses hard

Chris Brayford
clock 20 May 2026 • 5 min read
Iran war: Tenants caught in crossfire of Middle East conflict

Iran war: Tenants caught in crossfire of Middle East conflict

TFA farm policy adviser Lynette Steel writes on how the Iran conflict is squeezing tenant farmers in the UK

Lynette Steel
clock 15 May 2026 • 3 min read