- The UK's ability to feed itself is still declining: for all food, the UK's self-sufficiency is now 27 per cent lower than it was in 1990, and has dropped seven per cent since 2002. ... Our ability to feed ourselves, without depending on imports from overseas, is at its lowest ebb for half a century.
- The UK is less able to meet its own energy needs: since losing self-sufficiency in 2004, our 'energy dependence' has increased almost four fold. In 2004, the UK lost its status as an energy independent nation. Since then we have relied on imports to balance supply and demand. Even though the country has huge untapped renewable energy sources, including some of the best supplies of potential wind energy in Europe, our dependence on energy imports is increasing.
- Britain's dependence on international trade is increasing despite rising fuel prices and fears about climate change: International trade makes up a growing share of the UK's income. Trade as a share of GDP is at its highest point for over four decades and on an upward trend.