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Saturday 17 April 2010

Food and Politics

You'll never get used to seeing yourself on camera. It is entirely nerve-wracking. Nevertheless, I'll share with you. I was invited to do a filming for The Observer Conversation. It's right on topic; food and politics. It is rather unfortunate that the below screen grab looks like I'm about to burst into tears. But no matter.



So, Sarah Brown has planted her own vegetable patch at No. 10. How do we feel about this? Can politicians influence the way we eat?

We did a filming with Jay Rayner about this very subject. Are we cynics that think this is a token gesture for the green vote? Do we think politicians can influence the way we eat? Have a click on the above video to hear me, Helen, Tom and Dan harping on about it. What do you think?

13 comments:

  1. beautiful, elegant, confident, clever! woot for Lizzie! xoxoxoxox shayma

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  2. btw i love how you mentioned overseas farmers and supporting them (for sustainable farming). x shayma

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  3. Great debate - not sure how long it went on for in total, but there were some interesting points raised. Good that education was mentioned.

    I think that Tom was right about the effort that hasn't been put in. When you look at what the govt has achieved with smoking, if they put that effort into food, we might see some change. Big 'if' though.

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  4. Agree with everyone, but as long as the majority of people want to pay as little as possible for as much as possible, we don't stand a chance. Food education can't help you if you can barely afford to feed your family

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  5. Sadly, the British will normally tend to buy the cheapest, most convenient food ( and then splash out on tellies, cars, their homes etc).
    And don't be shy! You spoke well!!

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  6. Well done Lizzie - I think you all spoke brilliantly

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  7. Well done! Love that you mention supporting overseas farmers. It's important to support them as well as local food suppliers. Love your blog. Cheers!

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  8. That is a most unfortunate shot Mabs, most unfortunate. I think we did well though. Considering how nerve wracking it is to be put on the spot like that. Huzzah for us!

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  9. Sounds like Sarah Brown is just following Michelle Obama's lead. :)

    I think the question isn't whether individual politicians can influence the way we eat as much as whether government policies and regulations can - and then of course the answer is "yes."

    [On a vaguely-related note, Michelle Obama's influence is due less to her status as a politician and due more to her status as a celebrity.]

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  10. Well done, super star. You all did so brilliantly.

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  11. great work and well said......


    gah, damn my provincial living..

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  12. Late in on this, great blog.

    If the government would like to change food politics in the UK it so so so could.

    1- Provide tax breaks for independents and locally sourced businesses.

    2 - Extend the lunch break. If one's allowed longer away from the desk eating habits would improve.

    3- Tax supermarket chains with a slightly higher rate if they have more than 17% of UK market share.

    4 - Provide rations for those earning under a certain amount..... that could only be used in an independent. So the good convenient food is available to all.

    As with all cuisine, it reflects a socio/politico realm. That is where its born, at the moment we live in a capitalist realism. Thats why tesco's pizza's dominate.

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