Zack Polanski, deputy leader of the UK's Green Party, is calling for plant-based meals to be the default option at City Hall and other public catering settings in London. He believes that by making plant-based meals the default, with meat and dairy-based foods available upon request, the city can show climate leadership and set a good example for sustainable eating practices. Polanski also expressed interest in discussing how free school meals could also be made plant-based by default.

Despite Polanski's calls for action, Mayor Sadiq Khan declined to make plant-based meals the default option, stating that choice is his priority and that the current balance is adequate. However, Polanski's push for plant-based meals is backed by research showing that such a change could save money, promote accessibility to healthy food, and reduce human-caused emissions that contribute to the climate crisis. The publication of A Cruelty-Free Manifesto For London and the policy briefing on the benefits of plant-based meals in schools and hospitals further support Polanski's efforts to promote sustainable and healthy food options in London.