Irish Politician Goes Plant-Based After Learning About Meat’s Impact On Planet

Irish politician Chris Hazzard has today announced his move to a vegan diet, after being a vegetarian for two years.

The MP informed his Twitter followers by posting a photo of his ‘last’ lunch involving dairy products.

Chris Hazzard’s tweets

2 years ago today I decided to become a vegetarian – it’s been a really enjoyable learning process & I’ve never regretted the transition. So to celebrate I’m moving again – this time to an entirely plant based vegan lifestyle. 1 more halloumi pitta for brunch and that’s me… ? pic.twitter.com/w67vDBDDV7

— Chris Hazzard (@ChrisHazzardSF) November 14, 2020

The MP for South Down said: “I always liked the idea of eating a veg diet but never thought I had the discipline.

“Then I learnt about the impact of intensified animal agriculture on our planet and a switch went inside my head.

“I’ve felt much healthier so I’d never return to meat based diet.”

Hazzard pointed his followers towards the celebrated documentary Cowspiracy on Netflix as a “good place to start” on the journey to giving up meat.

His announcement was met with a slew of suggestions from vegans on how to cut out dairy products.

yeah last 2 years I’ve felt much better switching to veg; tried the tiptoe approach in summer but didn’t last long so now it’s time for over the cliff – I’m currently convincing myself here that agave syrup is just as nice as my local Irish honey….

— Chris Hazzard (@ChrisHazzardSF) November 14, 2020

Vegan voices in politics

Hazzard is not alone in working in politics with plant-based views.

Bristol-based Labour MP Darren Jones said he is plant-based “for the planet”, as well as Kerry McCarthy who is another MP in Bristol and has been vegan for 25 years.

Chris Williamson, MP for Derby North is a proud vegan too and has even encouraged his constituents to ditch meat.