Animal rights organisation Peta has praised Nottingham City Council after it announced it will serve only plant-based food and drink at internal meetings from the end of September
Nottingham City Council has been lauded by one of the world’s most prominent animal rights groups after announcing that only plant-based food and drink will be served at internal meetings from the end of September.
The decision was confirmed during a full council meeting on Monday, following a question posed by a local resident and has been warmly welcomed by Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
The query, submitted prior to the meeting, highlighted that other local authorities such as Oxfordshire County Council, Exeter City Council and Cambridge City Council had implemented similar policies. The resident encouraged Nottingham “to do the same”, arguing that “meat and dairy are major contributors to the climate and ecological emergencies”.
Reacting to the city council’s decision, Dawn Carr, Peta’s vice president of vegan corporate project, told the PA news agency: “Nottingham City Council is fighting climate change with diet change, and Peta is delighted to see councillors taking action for animals while looking after their own health too.”
She added: “Peta applauds the authority for shining a green light on the benefits of eating vegan and hopes others will follow its compassionate lead.”
However, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), which represents agricultural workers across England and Wales, criticised the policy change.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw remarked: “What we eat is a personal choice and not something which is imposed. Decisions should be made in an informed way taking into consideration the nutritional, environmental and biodiversity benefits that eating a balanced diet, including meat and dairy, provides.”
“We engage regularly with local councils and others about the importance of supporting local supply chains and the vital role farmers play at the heart of our rural communities.”
“We have also organised seminars with a range of food service providers including with local authorities to discuss the benefits of meat and dairy to diets.”
Nottingham City Council has been approached for a statement.
