London, UK – The much-anticipated King's Speech, delivered on May 13, 2026, has sparked significant disappointment among food policy advocates and consumer groups due to its complete omission of any measures addressing the UK's food system. The legislative agenda, which detailed 37 bills, focused on controlling the cost of living but conspicuously failed to include proposals for improving food security or alleviating the financial strain on households struggling to afford nutritious diets.
Widespread Public Concern Over Food Prices Ignored
Food prices remain a paramount concern for the British public, with recent data from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) tracker indicating that 92% of consumers are worried about the cost of food, and 60% are highly concerned – the highest level on record as of December 2025. This widespread anxiety, exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions stemming from conflicts in the Middle East, has left a significant portion of the population struggling to access healthy diets. The Food Foundation, speaking on behalf of the Good Food Bill Campaign, expressed dismay at the government's lack of action. Anna Taylor, Executive Director, stated, "Despite huge pressures on household food bills, it is remarkable that today's King's Speech did not feature food at all." She emphasized that food security is as critical as energy security, drawing parallels to the government's legislative response to energy crises. "Binding targets, long-term frameworks, statutory duties - these are what turned aspiration into action. Our food system deserves the same treatment," Taylor added.
Calls for a "Good Food Bill" Grow Louder
Over 100 businesses, investors, and civil society organizations have publicly backed the call for a "Good Food Bill," a legislative proposal aimed at creating a more resilient and sustainable food system. A presentation bill has already been tabled in the House of Commons, suggesting political interest exists, but the Food Foundation argues that political will is currently lacking. The organization warns that the consequences of inaction will be far-reaching, contributing to increased NHS waiting lists, a greater reliance on food banks, and communities facing severe food access challenges. They are urging the government to introduce dedicated food legislation before the end of the current parliamentary term, highlighting the inevitability of future food shocks and the increasing cost of delayed action. The Food Foundation has been a vocal proponent of systemic change, with its executive director previously leading policy teams on nutrition at the Department for International Development.
Broader Economic Context and Future Outlook
The omission comes at a time when the UK faces significant economic pressures, including persistent inflation. Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices saw a 3.7% rise in the 12 months to March 2026, a slight increase from the previous month. Experts predict further inflation, with the Bank of England forecasting a rise to 7% by the end of the year due to escalating costs for fertilizer, energy, and transport. Research from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) indicates that food prices could be 50% higher by November 2026 compared to the start of the cost of living crisis in 2021, driven by climate and energy shocks. While the King's Speech aimed to address the cost of living, the absence of specific food policy measures leaves a significant gap in the government's strategy to support households and ensure long-term food security.