Liberal Democrats in Camden Council attempted to put forward a motion demanding the council serve plant-based food at all council-run facilities and events.
The motion called for the council to endorse the “Plant-Based Treaty”.
The treaty aims to “put food systems at the heart of combating the climate crisis, to halt the widespread degradation of critical ecosystems caused by animal agriculture, to promote a shift to more healthy, sustainable plant-based diets and to actively reverse damage done to planetary functions, ecosystem services and biodiversity.”
The motion was put forward by Cllr Tom Simon and seconded by Cllr Linda Chung.
The Lib Dems are currently doubling down on their approach to the environment after Rishi Sunak announced he would be watering down plans to reach net zero
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Camden Council is held by Labour but has five Liberal Democrat councillors.
It states that the council resolves to “ensure that food and drink provided at all meetings and events hosted by the Council, including those hosted by the Mayoralty, include appropriate plant-based food”.
The motion adds: “It is increasingly recognised that meat and dairy production is a significant co tributor to climate breakdown, with the livestock sector accounting for at least 14 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, as well as being a major contributor to global deforestation.”
It is understood the motion failed.
The National Food Strategy, commissioned by Central Government, concludes that a 30 per cent reduction in meat consumption is necessary for future food security.
The Lib Dems are currently doubling down on their approach to the environment after Rishi Sunak announced he would be watering down plans to reach net zero.
This week the party announced that they would introduce a 1p tax on the sale of all new clothes.
Delegates at the party’s annual conference, taking place this weekend in Bournemouth, will vote on a motion calling for a tax to be imposed in order to counteract "fast fashion".
The motion reads: "Conference calls for the introduction of a 1p levy on new garments produced for sale on the UK market, with the proceeds ring fenced for the improvement and development of local recycling facilities and collection."
On Thursday, Sunak revealed plans to water down the government’s approach to net zero, promising to bring an end to "heavy-handed policies", including taxes on eating meat.
Sunak said the new approach will be "more realistic" and "ease the burden" on families.
He said: "In a democracy, this is the only realistic path to net zero.
"Consent, not imposition. That's how we'll turn the challenge of net zero into the greatest opportunity and the greatest achievement of our lifetime."
Sunak added: "We are going to change the way our politics works."
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But he ruled out holding a referendum on net zero, saying: “I think everyone’s had enough of referendums, quite frankly. But I think the principle of consent is important... We’re going to get to net zero but we’re going to do it in a fair and proportionate way.”
Asked by GB News how much money the measures would save ordinary people, Sunak said it would save families "thousands of pounds".
The Lib Dems and Camden Council have been contacted for comment.
