The first Right to Food UK Commission evidence-based event took place in Knowsley on Friday 30 January 2026, hosted by Ian Byrne MP.
The commission is made up of a several key figures from across the UK and aims to produce an evidence-based roadmap for “Right To Food” legislation by Autumn 2026, targeting the elimination of hunger and food banks.
The initiative is jointly established by the Right To Food Campaign, the University of Westminster, BFAWU, and the Food and Work Network.
Friday’s event brought together key agencies from both Liverpool and Knowsley Councils as well as representatives from health, education, universities, unions and community leaders.
A series of panel discussions took place with which focussed on:
- The Right to Food from a Public Health perspective – a panel discussion led by the Directors of Public Health in both Liverpool and Knowsley and representatives from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and the University of Liverpool
- Community Kitchens – why they matter and how they support the Right to Food campaign – a panel discussion led by a Chef and Community Practitioner (Community Kitchens) and representatives from Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool John Moores University and a local GP.
- The welfare and wages impact on hunger and how Right to Food could positively impact on tackling policy – a panel discussion led by representatives from RCN Council, Social Workers Union, PCS Union and Feeding Liverpool Development
- A Knowsley Council perspective – Representatives from Knowsley Council shared what Right to Food means in Knowsley, the inequalities faced by local residents, access to free school meals and hardship support provided by Knowsley Council.
The Knowsley evidence session is the first in a series of events across the UK before May 2026.
The discussion feedback will be shared with the Right to Food Commission.
It is anticipated that the Commission’s Final Report and roadmap to a Right to Food will be published in September 2026.
The UK Right to Food Commission is Chaired by Barrie Margetts, Emeritus Professor at the University of Southampton with representatives across Trade Unions, local authorities, health, charities and universities.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: “It was great to host such an important event here in Knowsley and support the Food to Right campaign by sharing the views, experiences and challenges faced by our local communities.
“Everyone should have a right to food and we are doing all that we can to tackle food poverty and inequalities faced by our residents.
“I look forward to reading the findings once all of the evidence sessions have taken place and the Right to Food Commission publish their findings.”
Prof Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council added: “It was great that Liverpool had the opportunity to provide evidence in the Right to Food summit and what that means for Liverpool.
“Whilst we have some wonderful initiatives locally such as the Queen of Greens mobile greengrocer, auto-enrolment for free school meals and Healthy Boost we still have a long way to go to reduce good insecurity.”