Waiting For The Apocalypse: tariffs, food security and the right to protest
Apr 3, 2025
auto_awesome
In this engaging discussion, Professor Tim Lang, a leading expert in food policy from City, University of London, tackles the pressing issue of food security. He highlights the UK's reliance on food imports and the potential for shortages amid rising tariffs and climate change. The conversation also dives into the diminishing rights to protest, drawing attention to recent heavy-handed police actions. Lang's proposed strategies for bolstering community resilience in food production offer a hopeful perspective on navigating these turbulent times.
The introduction of new trade tariffs by the U.S. threatens the already fragile UK economy, intensifying household financial strain during rising expenses.
Experts highlight the urgent need for improved food resilience in the UK as reliance on imports and climate challenges intensify food security concerns.
Increasing police regulations on protests are raising alarms about civil liberties in the UK, indicating a potential decline in people's freedom to express dissent.
Deep dives
Economic Turbulence from Tariffs
The announcement of new trade tariffs by the U.S. has raised concerns regarding their impact on the UK economy. Many anticipate a negative outcome, particularly when millions of households in the UK are already facing rising bills in what has been termed 'Awful April.' Several essential expenses, including energy, council tax, and broadband services, are increasing significantly, further straining household budgets. While there is a slight silver lining with increases in minimum wage and state pensions, the overall economic landscape suggests these measures may not be sufficient to offset the broader financial challenges posed by the impending tariffs.
The Fragility of Food Supply Chains
The UK's food supply chain is increasingly under scrutiny as external factors like Trump's tariffs, climate change, and global instability threaten agricultural production. With around 40% of food being imported, experts like Tim Lang emphasize the urgent need for improved food resilience, as many UK households lack awareness of this fragility. Recent government recommendations suggested that households should stockpile three days of food, raising concerns over whether stockpiling is truly a viable solution. Building community resilience is seen as a more effective approach than individual stockpiling, fostering collaboration among citizens to address food security challenges.
Crackdown on Protesting Rights
Recent actions by police against climate activists have ignited debates over the future of protest rights in the UK. Environmental group Just Stop Oil has temporarily ceased disruptive protests, while reports of police raids on peaceful activist gatherings raise alarm over potential overreach. The legislation aimed at curbing protests is criticized for stifling the essential democratic right to civil disobedience, as highlighted by arrests made under questionable circumstances. As public tolerance for restrictive actions diminishes, the implications of these laws on freedom of speech and the ability to protest peacefully are becoming more apparent.
Reassessing Britain's Food Policy
Discussions on the current state of Britain's food policy underline significant shortcomings in handling food security and resilience. Experts point out that the focus has shifted too heavily onto trade without adequately considering domestic agricultural production and community engagement. The conversation emphasizes the need for a strategic shift towards local food production and creating robust supply chains that can withstand various shocks. As Britain's reliance on imported food increases, re-evaluating trade agreements and developing a sustainable approach to food production becomes ever more critical.
Labour's Social Media Strategy
Labour's initiative to boost its social media presence seeks to engage younger audiences and adapt to shifting media consumption patterns. The appointment of a new communications chief with TikTok experience reflects a broader understanding that online platforms can effectively communicate political messages. However, there is skepticism about whether this approach will genuinely resonate with the public, given past missteps in communication styles and content. While utilizing social media can provide a direct line of communication with constituents, the content must be substantive and aligned with public concerns to avoid trivializing critical issues.
Warning: this episode contains descriptions of sexually explicit and sexist song lyrics.
While we wait to see if Trump’s tariff juggernaut is going to squash our fragile economy, Nish and Coco count the cost of the “bill-mageddon” we already face. It’s a perfect storm of steep rises in household bills and a bonkers global trade war.
While we’re staring economic apocalypse in the face, we seem to be losing our rights to protest. If the Quakers get raided, who’s safe from heavy handed policing and draconian laws?
And have you prepared yourself for food shortages? Your stash of beans might not cut it. Professor Tim Lang - author of a major report on food security- has a plan we all need to hear.
On the bright side, 2025 is the year the Labour Party has decided to embrace social media and podcasts. What can possibly go wrong?
