Conservative MPs from across the country have signed up to Veganuary for the launch of Vegan Conservatives, the latest caucus within the Party.
Launching today, and made up of Party members, councillors and activists from across the country, the new Vegan Conservatives group aims to promote veganism for the benefit of human health, animal welfare and the environment within the Conservative Party.
John Baron MP said, “‘I’m delighted to go vegan for January to help celebrate and support the launch of Vegan Conservatives’’
Mark Garnier MP, said, “I’m participating in Veganuary because I am keen to sample new foods, and try out a healthier diet. And it helps the planet as well!”
Henry Smith MP said, “I’ve been vegetarian for over 30 years because of animal welfare concerns during the meat production process and its impact on our global environment, contributing an estimated 15% of worldwide carbon emissions as well as destroying natural habitats. This January I’m going a step further by trying a vegan diet. Happy Veganuary!”
James Daly MP, said, “I'm looking forward to taking part in Veganuary to learn more about a plant-based diet. We know how important lifestyle changes are to tackling climate change and I'm hoping to learn some new culinary skills too!"
Dr Ben Spencer MP, said “I am looking forward to trying a vegan diet this January and learning how to cook great vegan food. While many people (including me) may find it difficult to go full vegan, even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference to our health and also help protect our environment”
Christian Wakeford MP said, “I’m delighted to be taking part in Veganuary this year. I am very pleased to have been asked by Vegan Conservatives to be involved and am looking forward to adopting a plant- based diet, which I am told is delicious!”
Dean Russell MP, said “I have had several constituents and friends tell me they have tried a vegan diet over the past year or two. So I’m keen to walk in their shoes to see what the challenges are and the health benefits. While I’m not expecting a eureka moment to convert to veganism permanently, I do think it’s important to try new experiences and be more mindful of the food we eat, so I’m going to give it a go and hopefully I’ll get some health benefits too”
Matthew Glover, Co-founder and Chair of Veganuary, said “It’s inspiring to see our policymakers taking personal action to protect the planet, reduce the suffering of animals and help prevent future pandemics. Their leadership will hopefully encourage many more people to make a positive change in 2021 and try vegan this January”
Veganuary Ambassador, Peter Egan, said, “Adopting a vegan diet is an easy way to protect animals and the environment, reduce your carbon footprint and support small British food producers. With the UK’s targets to reduce carbon emissions by 68% by 2030, enhance environmental protection, improve biodiversity and deliver more sustainable food after Brexit, I welcome the news that policymakers are exploring the benefits of a plant-based diet. By participating in Veganuary, politicians are setting a fantastic example.”
Andrew Boff, spokesperson for the Vegan Conservatives, said: “We’re thrilled that so many Conservative MPs are going vegan for January, and to officially launch the new Vegan Conservatives group. At the heart of Conservatism is a desire to conserve and protect our environment. Moving towards a plant-based food system is critical if we are to prevent dangerous climate change, reduce pandemic risk, and protect animals. The modern vegan movement was born here in the UK, and as Vegan Conservatives we want to build on, and expand, this proud British tradition. We look forward to working with Party members, activists, councillors and MPs to champion the case for veganism, and to working with the Government to advocate for policies which help protect the planet, animals, and public health.”
Veganuary participants include: Henry Smith MP (Crawley); Mark Garnier MP (Wyre Forest); John Baron MP (Basildon and Billericay); Christian Wakeford MP (Bury South); Andrea Jenkyns MP (Morley and Outwood); Matthew Offord MP (Hendon); Dr Ben Spencer MP (Runnymede and Weybridge); James Daly MP (Bury North); Dean Russell MP (Watford) : Tracey Crouch MP* (Chatham and Aylesford – *Tracey will be participating one day a week)
