Yet another earnest entry about food security

those of us for whom Tesco is a customer or our grocer of choice.

This government and DEFRA have told us that they don't have any concerns at all about food security. They assume, wrongly, that the only threat to our food network would be an oil shortage which would increase transport costs.

Because of this they have watched with smiles on their faces as our industry and it's infrastructure has crumbled. They have allowed, and indeed encouraged, a handful of retailers to gain an unhealthy dominance. Future, hungry generations will come to hate the absurd priorities of this complacent government.

I am a passionate advocate of the global market and free trade so long as it doesn't pollute the environment more than home production. I have, however, come to believe that free trade is not enough to guarantee us a secure food supply in the UK. This is not because of production, though.

Our food network consists of very few (admittedly highly efficient) food channels based around giant packhouses, motorways and supermarket distribution hubs. As the news story above demonstrates, it remains within the capability of any terrorist to dislocate some of the population's food supply by threatening a large store. If they were to focus on a distribution depot instead they could stop food getting to several major cities.

WWII highlighted the vulnerability of shipping food across the English Channel. The threat is very different now. Through its inaction, the government has allowed some very weak links to appear in our food supply. Their war in Iraq and provocation of the Muslim community place it under yet more strain.

Another related comment while we are on the subject. The knighthood of Salman Rushdie seems a good example of Muslim provocation. This government has an unbalanced view of free speech.

I find racism and homophobia highly offensive but accept that a democracy gives everyone a right to calmly and intelligently express their views. The government has gone much further and I can only see bad coming of the government honouring a man who has offended the Islamic community so badly.

Whilst our cupboards are full of food such debates are philosophical. I hope that it remains this way.