Vegan demands council stop serving meat on its menus

Meat-free activist Daniel Glennon, from Bournemouth, told councillors at a full council meeting to reconsider a plant-based menu to “normalise plant-based eating”. 

It follows BCP Council’s decision to scrap a vegetarian menu at the Durley Chine Environmental Hub after hungry guests demanded meat. 

Daniel, a customer service trainer, told the meeting: “The science is clear that meat and dairy are major contributors to the climate and ecological emergencies.  

Daniel Glennon at BCP Council (Image: BCP Council)

“Other councils, including Oxfordshire County, Oxford City, Cambridge City, Exeter City and Lewisham Borough, are ensuring that all food provided at events is plant-based.  

“This is the logical and necessary next step after declaring a climate emergency.”

Read more: Vegetarian menu ditched by council after diners demand meat 

During the meeting on Tuesday, he asked: “Given the climate and ecological emergencies declared by this council, will council ensure that all food and drink provided at future internal events is plant-based, as other councils have done?” 

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for the climate response and environment, said he “welcomes the challenge” from the campaigner. 

Cllr Andy Hadley (Image: BCP Council)

“I do believe in leading by example and I agree that changing to a meat and dairy free diet is an important component of reducing our personal carbon footprint,” he added. 

“However, we feel we should start by promoting and encouraging rather than mandating plant-based options in the first instance. 

Read more: Vegetarian-only menu at council cafe was 'doomed to fail'

“We are happy to consider the implications of such a decision in the next review of the climate plan, and from a personal perspective I will seek to promote the concept throughout the organisation.” 

Environmental Hub at Durley Chine (Image: Daily Echo)

Meanwhile, the Countryside Alliance, which campaigns to promote British farming, said the “vast bulk” of the British public enjoys eating meat and warned the council should not discriminate. 

It said the initial vegetarian-only menu served at the environmental hub, which earlier this year started serving sausage rolls and other meat products, was “doomed to fail”. 

Daniel added: “The extreme weather we’ve seen across the world this year is a stark reminder that we cannot delay. 

“I’d love to see BCP Council prioritise the climate impact of our food choices and show real climate leadership.”