MEAT-FREE MONDAYS CAMPAIGN

That this House acknowledges UN figures which suggest that meat production is responsible for approximately 18 per cent. of global carbon emissions; further acknowledges that methane, emitted by cows and pigs, is 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas; recognises that across the UK 1 million tonnes of beef, 1.3 million tonnes of pork and 1.8 million tonnes of poultry are consumed every year; further recognises that this level of meat consumption is detrimental to the health of the nation and increasingly to the public purse; further recognises that global meat production is forecast to almost double to 456 million tonnes in 2050 compared to 2001 levels; believes that current meat consumption levels are unsustainable if the Climate Change Act 2008 is to be successfully implemented to help the UK fight against climate change; calls for a shift towards less meat-oriented diets nationally; further recognises that meat-free Mondays would help to promote this; and further believes that Parliament should set an example by supporting meat-free Mondays in all cafeterias in the Houses of Parliament.