The British Poultry Council welcomes Steve Reed MP as the newly appointed Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, following the 2024 General Election outcome.

With Daniel Zeichner MP also announced as Minister of State this morning, Prime Minister Starmer’s mission-led government is taking shape. The BPC is excited to work together, tackling the business-critical issues that have defined this era of British poultry meat production to lay the groundwork for a new and healthy context for British food.

Richard Griffiths, BPC Chief Executive, said: “I extend my congratulations to Steve and Daniel, and wish them every success in their new roles.”

The British poultry meat industry is integral to our national food security. We must continue to deliver for all people so we can all deliver for the planet. Having outlined the steps that must be taken to get to such a place, we look forward to collaborating with a new Labour Government to deliver on our shared aims and ambitions, including championing British food and farming to and implementing an SPS Agreement with the European Union to mitigate trade disruption.

Mr Griffiths continued: “BPC members feed people, contribute to their wellbeing and tackle inequalities with affordable food to ensure a liveable climate for all. Our Great British Food Values encapsulate BPC member businesses’ responsibility to produce food that tackles the inequalities that define a changing climate. 

In the face of a cost of living crisis, access to safe, affordable and nutritious food is more important than ever – as is the role of those producing it. Safeguarding the availability, accessibility and affordability of food, prioritising the viability of poultry meat businesses and securing the robustness of our supply chains is going to be crucial to making British food work now and into the future. 

The challenges faced by poultry meat businesses have been numerous, and often extreme. This election has presented an opportunity to bring around much-needed meaningful change. We look forward to working closely with Government in developing a new context for British food production, with food security at its core. We are excited to make great things happen together.”