Starmer's local council could become fully vegan

Telegraph

2 days ago

A Labour-led council covering Sir Keir Starmer's constituency could become fully vegan.
Camden council, in north London, commissioned a report that concluded a 100 per cent plant-based catering regime was 'in line' with their 'food mission', according to the environmentalist group Plant Based Councils.
Under the plans, which the group expects to be formally incorporated next year, only plant-based food would be served at council-catered events and meetings.
'Draconian ban'
There is no expectation that Camden residents, nor workers at the local authority, would be prohibited from eating meat.
But critics have claimed the council is 'wasting vital time and resources ramming through a draconian ban on meat and dairy '.
Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, said Camden council 'should instead be supporting our British farmers who produce some of the most sustainable food in the world, regardless of whether it's meat, dairy or vegetables.'
Plant Based Councils has claimed credit for moving seven councils to a 'plant-based' diet.
Oxfordshire county council, held by the Liberal Democrats, as well as Labour-held Calderdale and Exeter councils, committed to the move in 2015, 2020 and 2022, respectively.
Kush Naker, a leading member of the Camden Plant-Based Councils campaign, described it as a 'huge moment', and said he was 'thrilled that our council has listened to the science and the local community and shown real leadership.'
He added: 'This policy isn't about telling individuals what to eat. It's about ensuring that our public institutions reflect the urgent need to shift toward sustainable, inclusive, and compassionate food systems.'
The campaign said in its announcement of the move that it 'hopes Camden's bold move will inspire other councils across London and the London Assembly to follow suit. As the capital of the UK, London should lead the way for others to do the same.'
'10 councils reject compulsory veganism'
But the Countryside Alliance have claimed councils should be championing local sourcing and freedom of choice, instead of banning meat and dairy.
A campaign led by the group has seen 10 councils reject 'compulsory veganism', and promote the importance of shopping locally and supporting UK farmers.
So far Suffolk, Cornwall, Portsmouth, Fenland, Peterborough, the Highlands, Dorset, Wiltshire, Staffordshire Moorlands and Rutland have all signed up to the alternative campaign.
Mr Metcalf-Fisher also said there were 'questions for the local MP and leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, who should clarify whether more Labour councils will be going vegan'.
A Camden council spokesman said: 'We are not a fully plant-based council but we are looking at ways of moving towards serving more healthy, seasonal and locally grown food.'