23 May 2012
Harriett Baldwin welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement of a major event to discuss world hunger to be held during the Olympics and calls on him to include malnutrition - which literally stunts the growth of so many children around the world. Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): I was so pleased to hear the Prime Minister announce a day for discussing global hunger during the Olympics. Does he agree that the agenda should cover not just food security and food production, but the hidden crisis of malnutrition, which literally stunts the growth of so many children around the world? The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It just seems to me that while we have the eyes of the world on Britain for the Olympics—and many African leaders will be coming to support their Olympic teams—we have a good opportunity to bring people together to say, “Here we have a great initiative in the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition. Let’s take it to the next level. Let’s encourage more countries to join. Let’s make sure that we lift more people out of hunger and out of poverty.” But the point she makes about nutrition is absolutely crucial for the future of the planet. | Hansard