The Soil Association has responded to the new Labour Government:

Soil Association CEO Helen Browning said: "We congratulate the new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and look forward to working with him and his new government. Their campaign manifesto made clear their desire to improve access to nature, promote biodiversity, decarbonise the energy system, and protect our landscapes and wildlife while supporting farmers to shift to more sustainable and nature-friendly farming practices.

"Labour have said they will give new powers to regulators and introduce a land-use framework. They have pledged to improve public health and ensure half of all public sector food is produced locally or to higher environmental standards.

"We urge that these commitments are now transformed into action. As a priority, Starmer's government should develop an economic framework that allows money to be generated from penalising the bad things through 'polluter pays', and ensure that those on low incomes can access healthy and sustainable diets, with farmers supported on a journey towards cleaner, greener agriculture. 

"The Soil Association champions the work and commitment of organic and agroecological farmers and growers, ethical food businesses, public sector caterers and communities across the UK. We look forward to working with the new government to build a healthier food and farming system – one that works for people and planet."