National Trust pushes through vegan overhaul of cafes despite membership backlash

The National Trust voted through a vegan overhaul of its cafes
The National Trust voted through a vegan overhaul of its cafes - Tim Graham/Getty Images

The National Trust has voted through a vegan overhaul of its cafes despite a backlash among its members over the adoption of “progressive causes”.

Members backed a motion to make 50 per cent of the produce at its 300 cafes and food outlets plant-based, to support its efforts to reach net zero and improve biodiversity and health.

More than 57,490 trust members voted in favour of the proposal, with 20,111 voting against.

The vote on Saturday produced a bitter divide, with some arguing a switch to more plant-based food was a vital step in helping tackle climate change, while others accused the trust’s leadership of “an anti-meat” agenda.

Pointing out that the current take up of vegan products nationally was still very low, one member told the AGM at Newcastle Civic Centre: “This motion forces us to eat food that is not of our choice. Instead we should be supporting the National Trust’s livestock tenant farmers.”

But there was enthusiastic support from others. One young volunteer said: “Charities like the National Trust need to lead the way in protecting nature, and tackling the climate crisis. This is a common sense vote in favour.”

In its statement backing the resolution on plant-based produce, the charity’s board of trustees said: “We already have numerous plant-based options, and will keep dairy, egg and meat on the menu as well. We’ll continue working closely with livestock farmers and encourage grazing practices that benefit nature and the climate.

“We know from research we’ve carried out that a range of vegan/vegetarian options is a consideration for families and younger people in particular. Serving a wider range of plant-based options can help us appeal to more potential visitors, which will ultimately generate funds towards looking after the places and collections in our care.”

Hilary McGrady
Hilary McGrady said 70 per cent of those who worked for the trust regarded themselves as ‘progressive activists’ - Charlotte Graham/National Trust

Members also backed a significant majority resolution to strengthen the trust’s response to the climate emergency and to support the proposed Climate and Nature Bill.

The vote on vegan produce was among a number of issues which have seen the National Trust’s leadership come under criticism.

During a question and answer session, doubts were raised about the attitudes and lack of patriotism of some staff and volunteers towards Britain’s history.

It came after the charity’s director general, Hilary McGrady, said 70 per cent of those who worked for the trust regarded themselves as “progressive activists”.

One member from Leicester said this suggested the National Trust’s staff and volunteers were “not patriotic”, and asked: “Are they the sort of people who should be looking after our history?”

Ms McGrady defended her team, telling the meeting: “We’ve got the best people possible to do this job. We have the most passionate staff who want to care for the history of our places.”

Members also voiced their frustration at the number of bureaucratic hurdles prospective volunteers were required to complete.

One member asked the charity’s management: “Why does the National Trust make starting charity volunteering so difficult with its online tests and questions? In later life some potential volunteers do not want to jump through these hoops before they give up their valuable time.”

Tina Lewis, the trust’s director of people, said: “We try to make volunteering as easy and as smooth as possible.”

The criticism voiced at Saturday’s AGM followed recent controversy, including over the trust’s use of explainer panels pointing out the slave-owning history of its properties, vegan scones and its decision not to fully restore Clandon House in Surrey after it was severely damaged by fire.

There was also criticism of the refusal of the trust to hold a referendum of members over the use of the “quick vote” system, which some have blamed for “stifling debate”.

An internal membership group was prevented from tabling a motion at the AGM calling for the trust’s five million members to be allowed to decide on the “quick vote” system.

This allows members to back the National Trust’s governing council by simply agreeing with one keystroke to its recommendation on issues and candidates.

Speaking from the floor, Zewditu Gebreyohanes, the former director of the campaign group Restore Trust, denounced the system as “undemocratic”.

The trust defended the use of the quick vote, pointing out it had been approved by the Charity Commission and that members had already backed its use at last year’s AGM.

Jan Lasik, the trust’s general counsel and secretary, told the AGM: “Members can use the quick vote or they can choose not to.”