Sainsbury’s has pledged its support for the Good Food Bill as it calls for greater collaboration between the grocery industry and government.

The proposed Bill would establish a long-term statutory framework for Britain’s food system, with objectives covering resilience, public health and sustainability.

Sainsbury’s said recent European heatwaves and continued geopolitical disruption had highlighted the pressure facing food supply chains.

The supermarket believes clearer objectives would encourage investment while giving farmers and suppliers greater protection from climate-related shocks and inflation.

Chief executive Simon Roberts said: “We need a more resilient food system that attracts investment, backs British farmers and helps keep affordable, nutritious food on tables.”

Sainsbury’s has committed £5bn to long-term partnerships with British and Irish suppliers as part of its work to improve supply chain resilience.

The retailer is also investing more than £8m alongside Comic Relief in Holiday Activities and Food programmes, which support children who may experience food insecurity during the school holidays.

Launched in February, the Good Food Bill has received support from more than 100 organisations across the food, farming, health, investment and academic sectors.

The proposed legislation would seek to embed food system objectives across government departments and hold successive administrations accountable for delivering them.

Sainsbury’s said the framework would complement work already being undertaken by retailers, farmers and suppliers while creating a more coordinated national approach.

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