A Future Generations Act aims to improve the social, economic, cultural and environmental well-being of the UK by requiring public bodies to think about the long-term impact of their decisions, rather than relying on short-term fixes. A similar Act was introduced in Wales in 2015 and is considered to be ‘world leading’.
Chris Jenkins, director of impact at Ella’s Kitchen UK, said: "We have 4.3 million children living in poverty, their health and wellbeing compromised, and the climate and nature crisis threatening our planet and food supply.
“Like all parents, I worry about how these issues will impact not just my children's future, but the future of every child growing up today, and those for generations to come. If we're going to change this, we need to radically rethink how our political leaders make decisions - ensuring they prioritise the long-term benefit to all, including future generations.
“That's why we're asking people to join us in calling on whoever becomes our next Prime Minister to prioritise our children's future and ensure their voices are heard by backing a UK-wide Future Generations Act."
Ella’s Kitchen, part of the Hain Celestial Group, is on a mission to help little ones grow up happy, healthy and never hungry. The company prioritises health and nutritional value, but never at the expense of taste or convenience.
Sophie Howe, former Future Generations Commissioner, added: “The decision to introduce a Future Generations Act should be an easy one. It’s about what we as a society want to leave behind - for our children, grandchildren and the generations that follow. In Wales, the Act helped to lay a blueprint for a new, bolder, healthier, prosperous, and more resilient society.
“We now need political parties in Westminster to show the same ambition, and roll-out a UK-wide Future Generations Act. For too long, politicians have relied upon quick win, sticking plaster, politics that have failed to address the big issues facing people now, and fail to set us up for success in the future. The time for change is now.”
Once signed, the petition will be delivered to the next Prime Minister following the re-opening of parliament.