Dorset is set to become fifth council to join backlash against woke vegans by rejecting plant-based-only menus in support of British farmers

Dorset is set to become the fifth council to hit back against vegans by rejecting plant-based-only menus at its events.

The council is set to vote on a motion to keep serving meat and dairy products at all of its official events.

The motion, if passed, will see meat and dairy produce sourced from 'local suppliers' in a bid to support British farmers.

This would also mean that the authority would have to encourage residents to shop locally for their produce with the aim of reducing the 'food miles' on plates. 

Submitted by Conservative Councillor Byron Quayle, the motion will also instruct the authority to oppose 'excessive regulation by central government' and support Dorset's poultry, arable and livestock farmers.

Dorset is set to be the latest council fight back against vegan food, after a string of other councils voted to ban meat and dairy items on council catered menus.

Portsmouth City Council voted to keep meat and dairy last month. Suffolk, Cornwall and North Northamptonshire have also passed the motion.

The Countryside Alliance has spearheaded a national campaign to get councils to adopt 'farming friendly' policies while pushing back against attempts to introduce bans on meat and dairy.

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, Director of External Affairs for the organisation, said: 'We thank Cllr Quayle for submitting this motion and hope to see every councillor supporting him.  

'Dorset has a significant farming community and this motion will go a long way in reassuring them that the council has their back. 

'In recent months we have seen several councils back our campaign to support local farmers and growers, while pre-preemptively rejecting bans on meat and dairy and so-called plant-based treaties that seek to eradicate livestock farming.

'Red meat produced in the UK is among the most sustainable in the world and it makes every bit of sense for local authorities to encourage the public to play their part in fighting climate change by sourcing seasonal and sustainable produce from local farmers and growers - irrespective of whether its meat or vegetables. 

'We hope all political parties support this motion'.

This comes as several other councils across the country have encouraged residents to buy 'plant-based' produce in a move away from meat and dairy, while also committing to only source vegan options for councillors at events.

In 2021, Oxfordshire County Council sparked outrage among farmers when it passed a motion to ban meat and dairy at its events. 

At the time, the council justified the policy by saying it was 'in the interest of the health of our planet and the health of our people'. 

Edinburgh City Council, Norwich City Council, and Haywards Heath Town Council in Sussex have also signed up to the 'Plant-Based Treaty'. 

The treaty calls for an end to the construction of any future livestock farms and pushes plant-based food in schools and hospitals. It also includes a pledge to promote vegan food over animal products.

Enfield Borough Council also removed meat from the menu of its catering service in 2020.

Cambridge City Council is also set to transition to fully plant-based catering for council meetings by 2026.

Dorset Council's vote is taking place at the next full council meeting on 14 December.