51AVÊÓÆµ

Giant developments 'eroding' UK's food security, MP warns

Conservative MP Sir John Hayes said 12% of the UK's most fertile and productive farmland is being eaten up by solar and energy projects

Chris Brayford
clock • 4 min read
South Holland and The Deepings MP Sir John Hayes said: "The Prime Minister made it clear that he understands that global uncertainty makes national economic resilience ever more important, and that energy security and food security are central to that, so why is policy making one the enemy of the other? By corroding Britain’s food security now, we risk compromising our nation’s future."
Image:

South Holland and The Deepings MP Sir John Hayes said: "The Prime Minister made it clear that he understands that global uncertainty makes national economic resilience ever more important, and that energy security and food security are central to that, so why is policy making one the enemy of the other? By corroding Britain’s food security now, we risk compromising our nation’s future."

Taking fertile farmland out of productive for industrial-sized solar infrastructure and pylons is the wrong policy position to take which could jeopardise the UK's long-term food security, an MP has claimed....

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

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

Ìý

More on Politics

Chancellor cuts tariffs on 100 food items to ease Iran war burden on consumers

Chancellor cuts tariffs on 100 food items to ease Iran war burden on consumers

Move follows announcement on red diesel and fuel as Gov backs away from supermarket price caps

clock 21 May 2026 • 2 min read
Seeding control of food laws to EU will be 'disastrous' for UK farmers, Shadow minister warns

Seeding control of food laws to EU will be 'disastrous' for UK farmers, Shadow minister warns

Could closer ties on food regulations with Europe be beneficial for UK farm businesses?

Chris Brayford
clock 21 May 2026 • 5 min read
From the editor: Price freezes are no substitute for proper food policy

From the editor: Price freezes are no substitute for proper food policy

This week from the Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
clock 21 May 2026 • 2 min read