The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has urged MPs to back its ‘Buy British Bill’ and support its passage through Parliament.

The Private Member’s Bill – Public Procurement (British Goods and Services) – has undergone its second reading in the House of Commons.

The NFU said it has “worked closely” with MP for Rotherham Sarah Champion to develop the Bill, which would amend two existing Acts of Parliament relating to requirements to be followed in public procurement. These include the need for a contracting authority to consider what proportion of the food originates from the UK.

NFU deputy president David Exwood said: “We know there is huge support across the country for food served in the public sector to be British. Our own research shows 76% of the public want Government to commit to sourcing at least half of all food for schools, prisons and hospitals from British farms.

“However, despite the public procurement of food encompassing a spend of over £2.4 billion, disappointingly, there is currently no record of what proportion of this food is currently supplied by British farmers and growers.”

Exwood continued: “In our election manifesto, the NFU is calling on the next Government to commit to sourcing 50% of food into the public sector from British farms, and the reporting of the origin of public sector source food which is essential to monitor progress towards this ambition.

“This would guarantee more British farmers and growers delivering high quality, fresh, seasonal and affordable food to world-leading environmental and welfare standards into our schools, prisons, hospitals and the military.

“We fully support Sarah Champion for introducing her Bill and encourage all Parliamentarians to support it and back British food and farming.”