Policy analysis indicates health-sensitive trade and subsidy reforms are needed in the UK to avoid adverse dietary health impacts post-Brexit

Summary

This policy analysis by Freund and Springmann (2021) examines the potential dietary and health consequences of post-Brexit trade and subsidy reforms in the United Kingdom. Using modelling approaches, the authors suggest that without health-sensitive policy design, Brexit-related trade and subsidy changes could adversely affect dietary quality and population health outcomes. The work implies that targeted policy intervention—balancing agricultural support with nutritional public health objectives—would be necessary to mitigate these risks.

UK applicability

Directly applicable to UK policy and practice; the analysis was designed to inform UK Government and devolved administration decision-making on trade policy, agricultural subsidy design, and food system governance post-Brexit. Findings suggest the need for alignment between agricultural and health policy to protect population nutrition.

Key measures

Dietary intake patterns; health burden attributable to dietary change; food price and availability shifts under different post-Brexit trade scenarios

Outcomes reported

The study analysed how trade and subsidy policy reforms following Brexit would affect dietary composition and health outcomes in the UK population. It modelled potential impacts on food availability, affordability, and consumption patterns of key food groups.

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