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What is Britain eating? A Liberal Democrat plan for food and health

Nesta and Recipe for Change at Liberal Democrat Party Conference
In A healthy life
20 Sep 2026 13:45 – 14:45
Edinburgh Room, DoubleTree Hilton Hotel

Over the last 30 years, UK obesity rates have doubled and child obesity continues to rise, leaving the UK lagging behind its European counterparts. As this crisis continues to place a huge burden on our NHS, how can the government work to reduce the prevalence of obesity and make it easier for adults and children to eat more healthily?

Join Nesta and Recipe for Change at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference to explore a Liberal Democrat approach to food and public health policy, discussing the levers a future government could pull to prevent avoidable illness and improve the nation’s health.

The session will be chaired by Marie Goldman MP, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dietary Health and includes Nika Pajda, senior missions manager in Nesta’s healthy life team and Andrew George MP, member of the Health and Social Care Committee. With our panel of politicians, community activists and policy experts, we will discuss the levers a future government could pull to prevent avoidable illness and improve the nation’s health.

This event will take place on Sunday 20 September, 13:45-14:45 (BST) at the Edinburgh Room, DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, located outside the secure zone. Add to your calendar.

Speakers

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Marie Goldman MP

Marie Goldman is MP for Chelmsford and co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dietary Health.

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Nika Pajda

Senior mission manager (policy), healthy life mission, Nesta

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Andrew George MP

Andrew George is MP for St Ives and member of the Health and Social Care Committee.

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Yusuf Shobair

Yusuf is a passionate campaigner dedicated to addressing food poverty and promoting sustainable, equitable food systems for all. As a Food Ambassador, he leverages his extensive leadership experience to advocate for improved policies and practical solutions that tackle the root causes of food insecurity. With a history of working alongside organisations such as the Department for Education, UNICEF, and the London Boroughs of Redbridge and Haringey, Yusuf brings a unique perspective to his mission of ensuring that no young person goes without access to nutritious, affordable food. Yusuf has held influential roles, including Youth MP, Ambassador for the Children’s Commissioner, and European Member of Youth Parliament. He has worked on critical campaigns through the Redbridge Youth Council, Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee, and Pan London Children in Care Council. His contributions include collaborating with Leaders Unlocked, Aspire, and Partnership for Young London to amplify young voices in the fight against food poverty.

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Colette Marshall

Colette Marshall is Chief Executive of Diabetes UK. Colette joined the charity in 2013 as Director of Operations, supporting our Volunteering, Services and Local teams. Her career started as a research scientist and then focused on bringing innovations to market, which led to her heading up an international business in the chemical industry. In her spare time, she volunteered and donated to charities, and this led to her making the move into the charity sector. As Director UK Programmes at Save the Children, she led the team tackling the blight of severe and persistent poverty. At MEND UK, she led work with families and communities living with overweight. Colette leads Diabetes UK with a passion for tackling the stigma and inequalities that come with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, working towards a cure and our goal of ending the harm of diabetes. Colette is a Trustee at the Bat Conservation Trust. She was formerly Co-Chair of the End Child Poverty Coalition, sat on the Child Poverty Advisory Group to the Minister of Employment, was a mentor for the Prince’s Trust, and was Chair of the Merseyside Dance Initiative. Qualified with a degree in Chemistry, Colette also holds an Executive MBA from London Business School.

Event information

20 Sep 2026 13:45 – 14:45

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