Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will be an early opportunity to discuss key developments in UK fisheries policy and implementation of the Fisheries Act following the end of the EU exit transition period and the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

We are delighted to be able to include a keynote contribution from Fisheries Minister, Victoria Prentis MP.

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials who are due to attend from Defra; DfT; the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; DIT; and the Welsh Government.

The agenda:

• UK fisheries policy and key priorities
• Opportunities going forward for UK fisheries and next steps for policy
• Developing fair and competitive practices around trade and quotas
• Strategic priorities for fisheries management across the UK
• The role of regulation in fisheries and marine life protection
• Fisheries within the wider maritime and ports environment
• Implementing sustainable fisheries management and protecting marine life

Relevant developments:

• The end of the transition period and the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement­ - with the MMO and devolved administrations issuing new fishing licences
• the Fisheries Act - with provisions on fishing rights as the UK leaves EU agreements, conservation, support for the fishing industry and ports, and for the Marine Management Organisation
• international agreements:
  
  • UK and Norway sign historic fisheries agreement - including annual agreements on quotas and access to waters for the two countries
  • a further UK agreement with the Faroe Islands, and a bilateral arrangements with Iceland and Greenland
• The Marine Management Organisation fast-tracks grants to help England’s ports and fishing industry - the MMO inviting applications for grants to help ports or harbours impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and seeking views on managing fisheries in Marine Protection Areas
• International Fisheries Management - the Government’s recent outline of developments and its policy approach for managing shared and international fisheries, working with other coastal states, RFMOs, the UN and other supranational organisations, and with devolved UK governments
• UK signs agreement with ICES demonstrating commitment to international marine science collaboration - Defra announcing cooperation with the International Council of the Exploration of the Sea on conservation, protection, the sustainable use of the marine environment and sustainable fisheries

Key areas for discussion:

• the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement­, further trade agreements and next steps for policy and implementation
  
  • assessing UK-EU trade deal outcomes - what they mean for the future of UK fisheries:
  • supporting fair trading - how best to determine which fish stocks fall under each territorial water in order to agree and develop the quotas
  • future opportunities
• internal UK relationships - the future for strategic coordination between the UK government and devolved administrations:
  
  • the shape of future joint working, with provisions in the Fisheries Act for a Joint Fisheries Statement to coordinate fisheries management and planning for sustainable stocks
  • priorities for the UK’s devolved administrations and for equitable sharing of opportunities, benefits and other outcomes of agreements with the EU and more widely
• sustainable fisheries management
  
  • the legislative framework - provisions and safeguards in the Fisheries Act and whether they go far enough, further priorities, and options for addressing concerns over possible loopholes
  • climate-smart fishing - implementation priorities and the impact of the Act in setting out a plan for protecting marine species
  • international leadership - the UK as a champion in sustainable fisheries policy and practice, and working with other coastal states on sustainability and marine species protection
  • regulation - the role of the Marine Management Organisation as it takes on powers to manage fishing activity and provide advice and guidance on sustainable fisheries
  • support and funding - replacing the EU European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and what social, economic and employment support is most needed by the fishing industry and communities
• the wider policy environment:
  
  • levelling-up and green recovery policy agendas - the role of fisheries and how they can be supported going forward to realise benefits and access funding and support
  • innovation - the development of Free Ports and development of the modernisation and digitisation of ports
  • the Government’s Maritime 2050 vision with its ambitions to improve the safety, employment protections and performance of the fishing industry, as well as on addressing environmental and climate challenges

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons, and officials from BEIS; Defra; the Department of International Trade; the Department for Transport; the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; the Isle of Man Government; and the Welsh Government.
Overall, we expect speakers and attendees to be a senior and informed group including Members of both Houses of Parliament, senior government officials in this area of public policy, together with other stakeholders concerned with or affected by developments in UK fisheries policy, including food market and supply chain personnel, fisherman and fishery advocacy groups, foreign embassies, conservation authorities, local government, environmental campaigners, members from the wider ports and maritime sector, scientists, academics and researchers, as well as members of the national and trade media.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will examine the future for food labelling in the UK.

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials due to attend from Defra; DHSC; the FCDO; DIT; the FSA; POST; DAERA, NI; Food Standards Scotland; The Scottish Government; the Welsh Government; the National Food Crime Unit; the Government Legal Department; and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, ROI.

The agenda:

• The current landscape for food labelling in the UK
• Emerging issues for front of pack labelling
• Policy priorities - the Obesity Strategy, the National Food Strategy and front-of-pack nutrition labelling
• Ensuring consumer safety - improving food standards and implementing Natasha’s Law
• Case study - adapting labelling guidance to support flexibility in the food chain during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Developing an international standard for food labelling online
• Food labelling and the future trading relationships - geographical indicators, health marks and claims, organic standards, and the UK internal market

A scan of relevant developments:

• UK transition:
  
  • EC looking to legislate for a harmonised front-of-pack labelling scheme
  • concerns around the potential impact a US trade deal could have on food labelling regulations in the UK, including questions raised over the future food standards in response to the rejection of an amendment to the Agriculture Bill to stop lower-standard imports
  • New rules and logos to protect British food and drink - set to replace EU schemes at the end of the Transition Period, which will include logos to guarantee authenticity for certified products, marking Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG), Protected Designations of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indications (PGI)
• New voluntary calorie guidelines to help industry tackle obesity - Government encouraging the food industry to adopt calorie reduction guidelines
• Front-of-pack nutrition labelling in the UK: building on success - the government consultation on front-of-pack nutrition labelling schemes, seeking views on: whether front-of-pack schemes should reflect the Government’s latest dietary advice on sugar and fibre
• Natasha’s Law - requiring food businesses to include full ingredients labelling on pre-packed for direct sale foods, with changes due to be introduced in October 2021
• further policy initiatives - Tackling obesity, PHE’s Commercial infant and baby food and drink: evidence review, the Select Committee on Food, Poverty, Health and the Environment’s Hungry for Change: fixing the failures in food report, and Advancing our health: prevention in the 2020

Areas for discussion:

• Tackling obesity - the new government strategy and its implications for food labelling, with plans for:
  
  • consultation - Front-of-pack nutrition labelling in the UK: building on success, as well as views expected to be sought on marketing and labelling of infant foods
  • hospitality - introduction of calorie labelling for food sold in large restaurants, takeaways and cafes
  • alcohol - consulting on the inclusion of calorie labelling on alcohol products
  • HFSS marketing - restrictions on the promotion of high fat, sugar and salt products within stores and their advertisement online and on TV
• further possible developments - allergens, country of origin, and sustainability labelling
• the COVID-19 pandemic - the sector’s response and approach to supporting food supply
• The end of the transition period:
  
  • UK choices - the impact of future trade deals on UK food labelling going forward, and opportunities and challenges of any divergence on the future relationship with the EU
  • impact - what any potential changes mean for UK food and drink businesses including health marks and claims, origin labelling, organic standards and geographical indicators
  • geographical indicators - the effect of introduction of new TSG, PDO and PGI schemes, and issues for their implementation, marketing and enforcement
  • NI - implications for products sold in Northern Ireland, including:
    
    • concerns around additional costs for complying with new regulatory border checks
    • EU labelling requirements for UK food businesses to include names and addresses of EU importers on pre-packed food labels
  • the UK internal market white paper - possibility of food labelling powers for Scotland and Wales, and what it would mean for consumers, suppliers and other stakeholders
• reform to FOPL and other areas of labelling:
  
  • looking at products sold both within and outside the UK internal market, allergens, consumer protection and clarity to address health inequalities, healthy choices and particular areas of focus including calories and sugar, infant nutrition, alcohol, and novel food products
  • Natasha’s Law - challenges and next steps for food and drink businesses in meeting requirements before it is introduced
  • calls for the food industry to develop carbon footprint labelling to improve public knowledge of the environmental impact of food products
• National Food Strategy:
  
  • truthfulness - the call in Part One for industry to address use of misleading language on packaging, exaggerated health claims or information omitted about natural ingredients with high sugar levels
• the Obesity Strategy:
  
  • public health messaging - effective strategies for utilising front of packaging food labels to encourage people to make healthy choices
  • alcohol calorie labelling - the impact it would have on public health, consumers and the sector
  • engagement and compliance - options for supporting the food and drink industry to implement commitments within the strategy
  • informed decisions - ensuring people understand upcoming changes in food labelling and that they can benefit from any reforms
• Out of home:
  
  • reform - government confirming in its consultation response that it will legislate to introduce mandatory calorie labelling on food and drink for large businesses such as pubs and restaurants
  • issues for the hospitality industry - as they also deal with restrictions and new procedures put in place as part of the response to COVID-19
• Online:
  
  • priorities for improving the labelling of food and drink products online and protecting consumers, with the UK due to present an international standard for online sales to the Codex Committee on Food Labelling later this year

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders.

This one looks no different. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, as well as officials from Defra; DHSC; the Food Standards Agency; the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, NI; Food Standards Scotland; The Scottish Government; the Welsh Government; the National Food Crime Unit; the Department for International Trade; the Government Legal Department; and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (ROI).

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will examine key issues for food security and UK supply chain.

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials due to attend from Defra; DIT; the FSA; the FCDO; DHSC; the NAO; the National Food Crime Unit; the CMA; the Crown Commercial Service; the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, ROI; the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, NI; and the Welsh Government.

The discussion at a glance:

• legislation - proposals in the Agriculture Act and the Environment Bill, including moving towards payment for public goods and the introduction of an Office for Environmental Protection (OEP)
• UK transition - latest developments in the trade negotiations with the EU and their potential implications
• COVID-19 - including the impact of the pandemic on supply chains and those working in them, and on global food security
• net-zero - the Government’s commitment on emissions with its 2050 target

Relevant developments:

• Brexit Transition negations as the end-of-year deadline approaches
• the EFRA Committee on COVID-19 and food supply report:
  
  • with recommendations - on consulting on legislation for a Right to Food after the Food Strategy’s publication, and appointing a Minister for Food Security
  • the Government response - on support for suppliers, vulnerable groups’ access to food, reducing food waste, working with charities and local government, and monitoring food insecurity
• legislation - the Agriculture Act and the Environment Bill as the latter continues its passage through Parliament
• £1m to support transition to future farming system - Defra’s consultation on the future Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme and the Future Farming Resilience Funding scheme
• £25m available to help farmers boost productivity - the final round of the Countryside Productivity Small Grants scheme
• the Trade and Agriculture Commission - created to advise government on trade competitiveness that supports animal welfare and environmental standards, consumer interests, and export and other opportunities for the UK food sector
• Farming for the future Policy and progress update - the Future for food, farming and the environment policy statement outlining further information about England’s agricultural policy
• A vision for future farming - outlined in a ministerial speech to farmers, focusing on increasing sustainable productivity and rolling out new technology in agriculture
• UK-wide consultation into dairy sector to tackle supply chain issues launched - looking at fairness in contract conditions and examining the market power of buyers
• Land use: Policies for a Net Zero UK - the CCC report to Parliament which found that national plans affecting sectors such as agriculture are not taking sufficient account of climate change

Key discussion areas:

• EU trade negotiations:
  
  • fishing rights, food and drink tariffs and reducing the risk of food shortages from January
  • market access, supply chain resilience and food standards
  • new trading relationships, the future relationship with the EU, and its impact on food standards, the food and farming workforce, and access to markets for UK businesses
  • regulatory systems - including the OEP, implications of divergence at the end of the EU Exit Transition Period on domestic food production
• ELM - shaping an Environmental Land Management scheme to support sector productivity and meet environmental targets, as Defra launches a consultation on what any future scheme will look like
• the obesity and sustainability policy agendas - how the sector is adapting to moves to sustainable diets and net-zero targets, and its impact on food security
• innovation - new developments in crop science, agri-food and land use and assessing their potential in supporting industry to meet productivity and net zero emissions targets
• agricultural land use, sustainable diets and the pathway to net zero

The agenda:

• ‘UK Food Security and how has COVID-19 impacted it?’ 
• Key issues for food security and UK supply chain - developing an Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme that supports domestic food production, maintains standards and aids sector recovery from the pandemic
• Stakeholder perspectives on UK food security - the impact of Brexit, meeting environmental targets, and developing funding and regulatory mechanisms to support production
• Ethical questions: where and how should we grow our food on the road to net zero
• The effect of moves towards sustainable diets on UK food security and climate targets - managing the transition, adapting to consumer trends, and opportunities for novel foods
• Improving productivity and impact of regulatory divergence - opportunities and evolving issues for agri-food and crop science
• The Trade and Agriculture Commission and UK trade policy - developing markets, delivering for consumers, and supporting international development

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament, and officials from Defra; the Department for International Trade; the Food Standards Agency; the FCDO; the DHSC; the National Audit Office; the National Food Crime Unit; the CMA; the Crown Commercial Service; the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, ROI; the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, NI; and the Welsh Government. Also due to attend are representatives from the AHDB; Ashbury Labelling; Bimringham Food Council CIC; Centre for Alternative Technology; CIELivestock; Clarke Willmott; Clasado Biosciences; Co-op; Compass Group UK & Ireland; Craigmore; Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture; Devenish; Elsoms Seeds; Finsbury Foods; Flood Prevention Society; Food and Drink Federation; Food Standards Scotland; Holstein UK; Imperial College London; IntelliDigest; Kennedys Law; Lantra; Linklaters; Medway Council, Public Health; Met Office; Minor Weir and Willis; National Farmers Union; NSF International; Regenerative Food and Farming CIC; Richardson Milling UK; Royal Danish Embassy; RSPCA; RSPCA Assured; Telecommantra; UCL Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering; Unite the Union; University of Leeds; University of Manchester (STFC Food Network Policy and Governance Liaison); University of Surrey; University of Sussex; University of the West of England, Bristol; University of York and WWF.

Press passes have been reserved by representatives from the Belfast Telegraph; Farmers Guardian; IHS Markit; Wicked Leeks; and 2020Dentistry.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will discuss key issues and priorities for the food, drink and hospitality sector in the UK as it responds to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and prepares for the imminent end of the EU exit transition period.

It is bringing together stakeholders with a range of key policy officials, including from Defra; the FSA; DIT; the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; the National Food Crime Unit; DHSC; DAERA NI; the Department for the Economy NI; and the Welsh Government.

The discussion at a glance:

• COVID-19 - the impact on the industry national and regional restrictions aims at tackling rising infections, and ways businesses are adapting
• support priorities - what the industry needs, including the workforce and food and drink businesses of all scales, with the impact of pandemic restrictions and as the end of the EU transition period
• innovation and consumer habits - how food, drink and hospitality companies are evolving their offering as consumers move through the pandemic, and the lessons that can be taken forward
• trade - future international relationships and the impact on the sector, its regulation and food standards - and the role of the Trade and Agriculture Commission
• public health policy - policy and regulatory initiatives on obesity, alcohol, and marketing - including calorie food labelling for the out of home sector
• skills - what is needed from government, and policy in areas such as visas and immigration, to ensure the UK is able to overcome shortages and supply change issues at the end of the UK transition
• environment targets - meeting the challenges across the food supply chain, including reducing waste and use of plastic, moving towards net zero, and adapting to evolving consumer expectations

A scan of relevant policy developments:

• the National Food Strategy - with part one including wide-ranging recommendations aimed at supporting a food system that is healthy, affordable, sustainable, resilient, and productive
• COVID-19 - fast-moving developments in the national and regional response and Government extends Furlough to March and increases self-employed support
• the Winter Economy Plan - including the extension of the 15% VAT cut for the hospitality and tourism sectors until March
• ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme drove new COVID-19 infections up by between 8 and 17%, new research finds  - research from the University of Warwick
• obesity policy - the new government strategy and proposals on calorie labelling affecting the out of home sector 
  
  • National Child Measurement Programme: childhood obesity - Research by University College London shares learning from local authorities that have a downward trend in childhood obesity 
• Trade and Agriculture Commission: interim progress update  - ahead of its final recommendations to government:
  
  • gathering evidence on trade strategy, agreements and markets including the UK internal market
  • with a focus on issues ethics, environmental sustainability and animal welfare, and areas for it future work
  • Agriculture Act legislated

The agenda:

• Key issues for the food, drink and hospitality industry - moving on from COVID-19, and preparing for the end of the EU Exit transition period
• The food, drink and hospitality industry in 2021 - evolving consumer expectations, opportunities for innovation, and priorities for the supply chain and workforce
  
  • How consumer attitudes and habits have evolved through the pandemic
  • Case study - innovating offerings as the sector responds to COVID-19 and changing consumer expectations
  • Supporting the food supply chain, meeting workforce challenges, and key issues for the food and drink sector in Wales
  • ‘Here to Help’ - the FSA’s role in supporting food businesses in a time of change and uncertainty
• Policy priorities, standards, and building and maintaining trading relationships
• The developing public health policy agenda - obesity, alcohol, marketing, and priorities for protecting and promoting consumers' interests

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons; and officials from Defra; the Department of International Trade; the Food Standards Agency; the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; the National Food Crime Unit; the Department of Health and Social Care; DAERA NI; the Department for the Economy NI; and the Welsh Government.

Overall, we expect speakers and attendees to be a senior and informed group including Members of both Houses of Parliament, senior officials from BEIS, MHCLG, DHSC and other relevant Departments, representatives of the food, drink and hospitality industry, including manufacturers, restaurants, retailers, and suppliers, legal and investment firms, property companies and landlords, local government, public health professionals, environmental groups, advocacy bodies, academics and commentators, charities and consumer groups, together with reporters from the national and trade media. 

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference focuses on the National Food Strategy for England.

Delegates will assess Part One of the Strategy - and look ahead to priorities for Part Two, expected to be published early next year.

It is bringing together key stakeholders and policymakers - including Henry Dimbleby, Independent Lead, National Food Strategy, as well as Minette Batters, President, National Farmers Union; Stefano Agostini, Chief Executive Officer, Nestle UK; Emily Miles, Chief Executive Officer, Food Standards Agency; and Ian Wright, Chief Executive, Food and Drink Federation.

Also due to attend are parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament, along with policy officials from Defra; DHSC; the FSA; the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; the NAO; the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, NI; DIT; Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Isle of Man Government; the National Food Crime Unit and the Welsh Government.

The agenda:

• Progress on the National Food Strategy
• Key priorities for the agricultural sector
• Stakeholder perspectives on part one of the Strategy
  
  • Supporting access to good quality nutritious food for children and the vulnerable
  • Maintaining high environmental and animal welfare standards in future trading relationships
• Stakeholder perspectives on part two of the strategy - developing a comprehensive plan for transforming the food system
• Linking with wider Government policy and the obesity strategy

Key areas for discussion:

Priorities for Part Two and wider government policy - looking ahead to expected recommendations for more far-reaching reform of the UK food system, with emphasis on health and sustainability:

• COVID-19 - how the pandemic has caused behavioural and organisational changes, and affected structures within the food system, as well as implications for food policy and what can be learned for the future and what has been learnt from the second national lockdown in England
• policy coordination - how the National Food Strategy links with wider Government policies and initiatives, looking at:
  
  • farming and land use - in the context of the Agriculture Act, Environment Bill and the 25 Year Environment Plan, including support for the farming industry
  • Tackling Obesity - the way forward for the Government’s strategy in the context of latest nutritional science, and informing future interventions around diet-related health
  • assessing the relationships and joint working between government departments that work on the different aspects of the food system
• food security - following the EFRA Committee on COVID-19 and food supply report:
  
  • with recommendations - on consulting on legislation for a Right to Food after the Food Strategy’s publication, and appointing a Minister for Food Security
  • the Government response - on support for suppliers, vulnerable groups’ access to food, reducing food waste, working with charities and local government, and monitoring food insecurity - as well as the recent decision not to extend food vouchers to the half term or Christmas holidays

Perspectives on Part One

• social welfare and trade - assessing the Strategy’s focus on practical, pragmatic activities to be undertaken by government, designed to:
  
  • support the country through the turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • prepare for the end of the EU exit transition period on 31 December 2020 
• tackling deprivation - proposals on improving the diets of the most disadvantaged children, through:
  
  • expanding eligibility for the Free School Meal (FSM) scheme - with discussion expected on:
    
    • its temporary expansion to children with no recourse to public funds
    • the impact and future role of advocacy initiatives such as the campaign led by Marcus Rashford
  • extending the Holiday Activity and Food Programme
  • increasing the value of Healthy Start vouchers
  • extending the work of the Food to the Vulnerable Ministerial Task Force
• future trade strategy - putting sovereignty, standards, and scrutiny its heart, asking the Government to:
  
  • only agree to cut tariffs in new trade deals on products which meet core standards across animal welfare, climate and the environment
  • adopt a statutory responsibility to commission and publish an independent report on any proposed trade agreements
  • give Parliament the time and opportunity to properly scrutinise any new trade deal

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament, as well as Defra; DHSC; the Food Standards Agency; the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; the National Audit Office; the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, NI; Department for International Trade; Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Isle of Man Government; the National Food Crime Unit and the Welsh Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference focuses on key policy developments and next steps for reducing obesity in England.  

Areas for discussion include:

• the Government’s Tackling Obesity strategy - looking at implementation and next steps for enabling healthy food choices
• the food environment - including labelling, marketing and in-house promotions, as well as local public health initiatives and encouraging healthy lifestyles
• tackling inequalities - including access to weight management services and the role of primary care
• COVID-19 - the impact of the pandemic on food and lifestyle habits, assessing support measures, and implications for public health going forward

The conference is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials who are due to attend from DCMS; DHSC; MHCLG; Defra; the National Audit Office; DAERA NI; and the Welsh Government.

The agenda:

• Assessing the progress and effectiveness of obesity interventions so far
• The impact of COVID-19 on consumer behaviour and eating habits
• The obesity challenge and the food and drink industry
• The Obesity Strategy and supporting consumers to make healthy choices - calorie labelling implementation, HFSS product marketing, and in-store promotions
• Opportunities for supporting people access a healthy active lifestyle
• Improving public health and developing a healthy local food environment
• Priorities for tackling health inequalities, supporting access to expanded weight management services and the role of primary care
• Next steps for taking forward the Obesity Strategy

Areas for discussion:

• Tackling Obesity and the wider policy context:
  
  • next steps - options going forward in the context of the Obesity Strategy and options for further measures that may be required, including around reformulation programmes, infant food calorie labelling, and health in the workplace
  • coordination - how the obesity strategy fits in with the wider policy environment, including:
    
    • the National Food Strategy, which is expected to publish recommendations for government in the Spring
    • development of the new National Institute for Health Protection which brings together functions for health improvement and prevention 
• changing the food environment:
  
  • implementation - and impact of restrictions affecting labelling, marketing and advertising of foods on better enabling people to make informed, healthy food choices
  • FOPNL - clarity and accessibility, effectively supporting healthier choices, balancing warnings and positive choices, and how much labelling should follow dietary advice around sugar
  • calorie labelling on food menus:
    
    • implementation - key issues for the out of home industry, and support that might be needed to enable new rules to be put in place
    • consumers - priority target groups, and best practice for effectively supporting both healthy decisions and the understanding of the nutritional value of a meal, as well as its calories
    • innovation - the opportunities presented for out of home meal reformulation
  • in-store HFSS promotions:
    
    • support for retailer compliance including smaller stores
    • the impact of placement restrictions for HFSS products
    • opportunities for using volume and location-based promotions for healthy products
    • the potential impact of new restrictions on HFSS product promotions in retail settings from April 2022, and enforcement processes and sanctions
  • advertising restrictions - the impact and implications for marketers and advertising platforms on encouraging reformulation to meet requirements, and on reducing rates of obesity
  • voluntary sugar reduction targets - assessing implementation by industry, remaining barriers, and how to improve progress in the out of home sector 
• COVID-19 - assessing the impact, the policy response and resulting changes:
  
  • support - with the increased risk of more extreme symptoms, assessing Government help for those affected to lose excess weight during the pandemic, and its impact
  • lockdown - working from home and changes to lifestyles and eating habits, and what this has meant for people’s food choices, weight and health during the pandemic, and the implications 
• tackling inequalities and improving access to services:
  
  • priorities - particularly in addressing obesity in the context of the pandemic
  • tackling underlying factors:
    
    • latest thinking on the links between deprivation and poverty
    • implications of research finding people from a BAME background are more likely to have poor health outcomes, and be more vulnerable to obesity and other related conditions
  • promoting public health and engagement:
    
    • assessing what is needed from the new Better Health campaign
    • opportunities for enabling people to have a healthy, active lifestyle
    • the ways that people can be supported to access weight management services
  • the role of primary care - assessing how services are being made more widely available on the NHS, and learning from the strong uptake of the expanded diabetes prevention programme

Relevant developments:

• Restricting promotions of products high in fat, sugar and salt: enforcement - consultation on processes for checking compliance, and on potential sanctions
• Tackling Obesity: empowering adults and children to live healthier lives - the Government’s strategy focusing on:
  
  • the food environment - introducing change and helping people to make healthier decisions by:
    
    • Front-of-pack nutrition labelling in the UK: building on success - consulting on the traffic light system currently in place, as well as alcohol calorie labelling
    • calories and promotions - legislating for large out of home companies having to include calorie food labels, and on HFSS promotion based on volume and in-store location
    • marketing - introducing a 9pm watershed for the advertisement of HFSS products and consulting on restricting HFSS advertising online
  • preventative healthcare - and provision of NHS support to those who are overweight:
    
    • services - expansion of weight management and improving access given to those with obesity and at high risk, and expanding the NHS diabetes prevention programme
    • Major new campaign encourages millions to lose weight and cut COVID-19 risk - a new Better Health campaign as well as a free 12-week NHS Weight Loss Plan app
    • workforce development - the opportunity for primary care network staff to train as healthy weight coaches, easing access to specialist support, and incentivising GP referrals
  • Introducing a total online advertising restriction for products high in fat, sugar and salt­ - DHSC consulting on how this measure could be designed 
• COVID-19:
  
  • recently reported comments from Professor Dame Sally Davies attributing the UK’s number of COVID-19 fatalities in part to a failure to tackle obesity
  • the impact on eating and exercise habits, and the disproportionate risks to people who are obese and those from some ethnic minority backgrounds 
• Surge in people checking their risk of type 2 diabetes - NHS reporting that almost 300,000 people have taken up the Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme since it was expanded in July
• Third year of industry progress to reduce sugar published - PHE’s annual voluntary sugar reduction report finding average reduction across all categories at 3%, and soft drinks industry levy success 
• Government response: mandating calorie labelling in the out-of-home sector - the consultation outcome with:
  
  • forthcoming legislation to make it compulsory for larger businesses
  • possible extension to smaller businesses, who are meanwhile encouraged to voluntarily calorie label
• the National Food Strategy for England - with the second chapter in the spring which will include recommendations related to the Obesity Strategy
• Childhood obesity - the NAO’s recent report on the progress made so far in the Government’s approach to reducing child obesity and calling for greater urgency, coordination and commitment
• National Child Measurement Programme: childhood obesity - research by University College London on what can be learned from local authorities that have a downward trend in childhood obesity
• the National Institute for Health Protection - bringing together PHE and other bodies for the COVID-19 response, as well as other key functions of health improvement and prevention
• the Health and Wellbeing Fund ­- £7.6m from government
  
  • supporting 19 projects to reduce health inequalities among new mothers and babies, including preventing obesity and diabetes
  • the fund will focus on mothers living in black, Asian or minority ethnic communities or deprived areas

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by officials from the DCMS; Defra; DAERA NI; the DHSC; the MHCLG; the National Audit Office and the Welsh Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference