The decision to adopt plant-based eating across multiple councils has been opposed by farming organisations.

The criticism comes in response to a group of 10 or more local authorities rejecting catering styles which incorporate meat and dairy products, according to the Express.

While the decision is said to have been driven by a desire to combat climate change, Mo Metcalf-Fisher, the Countryside Alliance's External Affairs Director argues that the ‘move towards compulsory veganism’ is a form of ‘absurdity’.

Among the councils to have implemented the internal catering changes are Calderdale, Enfield and Oxfordshire County Council.

Mr Metcalf-Fisher said: ‘No more ham sandwiches for hungry councillors, but instead, lavish platters of exotic fruit and vegetables.

‘All taxpayer funded of course. The decisions have sparked major backlash, with livestock farmers rightly taking umbrage at having a gaggle of councillors peddle tropes about their livelihoods.’

The Countryside Alliance, alongside representatives from the National Farmers Union (NFU), have instead advocated for greater support of local farmers and produce to help sustain the industry.

Tom Bradshaw, president of the NFU said: ‘What we eat should be a personal choice and decisions should be made in an informed way taking into consideration the nutritional, environmental and biodiversity benefits that eating a balanced diet including meat and dairy provide.

‘We know the public values homegrown, nutritious produce and British farmers are well placed to deliver that – producing high-quality meat and dairy products to world-leading standards.

He added: ‘We engage regularly with local councils about the importance of supporting local supply chains and the vital role farmers play at the heart of our rural communities.

‘There have been some great successes with councils including Suffolk County Council and Cornwall Council showing their support for local farmers by committing to pro-actively source local produce, and we will continue to work with local authorities and food providers to champion backing British farming.’