Terrifying new map reveals how ‘shocks’ could cause UK food chain collapse | UK | News
Several factors jeopardize Britain’s food security, report finds (Image: Getty)
A grim new map has revealed the fragility of the UK’s food supply chain and warned that shocks such as wars, extreme weather or cyber attacks could trigger cascading crises leading to famine, soaring prices and even social unrest. Researchers from the University of York, Anglia Ruskin University and other institutions explained how such disruptions can increase vulnerabilities in the system, pushing the system towards instability and collapse.
The study, published in the journal Sustainability, is based on insights from 39 food system experts and interviews with over 30 stakeholders from academia, government and industry. Recent events underline the danger: cyber attacks have hit retailers such as M&S and the Co-op, while the war in Ukraine has sparked global price shocks, revealing the UK’s reliance on timely networks. The report argues that long-standing structural weaknesses leave the country dangerously exposed and make improving resilience essential.
Read more: Elon Musk’s X offices raided after investigation launched
Read more: China has ‘taped’ the phones of senior officials at Number 10 for years
Cyber attacks can cause serious problems (Image: Getty)
In an international conflict scenario, trade barriers can increase energy costs, disrupt supply chains and inflate food prices. Low-income households will suffer the most, facing reduced access to nutritious food and increased insecurity. This can lead to increased social tensions, food fraud, black market trade and disease. In the worst case scenario, the erosion of public trust could spark unrest or riots.
Similar risks arise from extreme weather conditions or cyber attacks, acting alone or in combination. The report’s interconnected map, grounded in systems thinking, serves as a tool for policymakers to encourage resilient decisions. Interactive mapping tool accessible Here.
To reduce threats, experts are calling for improving the UK’s energy security, diversifying food chains and promoting diverse, resilient diets.
Professor Sarah Bridle, Chair of Food, Climate and Society at the University of York, said: “The stability of the UK’s food system is a critical aspect of national security. While we cannot always prevent future shocks, we can build resilience to withstand them and prevent a bad situation from turning into a crisis.”
The war in Ukraine has been going on for almost four years (Image: Getty)
He emphasized that awareness of potential risks has increased, but not enough coordinated work has been done to address the weak points in the system and how people will be affected.
Prof Bridle added: “Understanding how the system can respond to extreme pressure is the first step to preventing worst-case scenarios arising in the future.”
Dominic Watters, lived experience researcher, author and research contributor, said: “Food crises and civil unrest are not just about a lack of calories – they are about a lack of dignity, voice and care.
“This research highlights how the stigma and dehumanization of food insecurity is already creating fissures in our society.
“If we want a truly resilient and ‘ready’ UK, we can’t build it on systems of shame. That’s why this study highlights the importance of designing interventions with disproportionately affected communities, rather than simply making decisions on their behalf.”
Professor Aled Jones, Director of the Global Sustainability Institute at Anglia Ruskin University, said: “The potential for events to trigger a food crisis is often underestimated. The UK is not immune to disruptions that could have serious consequences.”
“Policymakers should take a long-term view on policy planning and work across departments and broader food system stakeholders to ensure a holistic systems approach to solving problems.”
The report calls for urgent action to strengthen defence, emphasizing that foresight and cooperation are key to preventing disaster.
