Starmer’s local council stirs debate with vegan menu plan

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer’s local council, Camden, is set to go fully vegan, sparking controversy amid rising calls for sustainable British food.

A council-commissioned report (PDF) concluded that switching to 100% plant-based catering at all internal meetings and events – meaning meat, dairy  and fish would all be off the menu – aligns with Camden’s “food mission” to promote affordable, sustainable, and nutritious food.

The change, expected to be implemented by 2025, follows a wave of London boroughs adopting similar policies, including Lewisham and Hackney.

See also: The rural fightback against ‘vegan-only’ councils

Plant Based Councils, the campaign group behind the push, called it “a historic win for climate action, public health and the community”.

Kush Naker, a leading member, said: “This policy isn’t about telling individuals what to eat. It’s about ensuring that our public institutions reflect the urgent need to shift toward sustainable, inclusive, and compassionate food systems.”

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the Countryside Alliance, which is urging more support for local producers and food choice.

Its director of external affairs Mo Metcalf-Fisher said: “Camden Council should instead be supporting British farmers who produce some of the most sustainable food in the world, regardless of whether it’s meat, dairy or vegetables.”

He added: “There are also questions for the local MP and leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, who should clarify whether more Labour councils will be going vegan.”

The Countryside Alliance is campaigning for councils to reject mandatory vegan policies and prioritise local food procurement.

With 10 councils signing its campaign so far, it says the debate around food sustainability and choice in local government catering policies is intensifying.