argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Deposit Return Scheme — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman makes a very important point. We already have our plastics pact, which has been agreed by WRAP—the Waste and Resources Action Programme—a charity that we support. That commitment was made by leading companies across the United Kingdom to ensure that they use less virgin material, and that more of the plastic they use is recycled or recyclable. We are also thinking hard about reform of the producer responsibility note scheme, and we will be saying more about that later.
Deposit Return Scheme — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): No country has a perfect model, but we have looked at examples in Scandinavia. One of the things that those countries have been so successful in achieving is a phenomenal level of return—and, indeed, high levels of recycling. We need to think carefully about the nature of drinking and the pattern of consumption in the United Kingdom to see what exactly would work and go with the grain of consumption habits here.
Deposit Return Scheme — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Margaret Ann Throup (Conservative, Centre-right): Beyond incentives such as the deposit scheme, what discussions has my right hon. Friend had with the Chancellor about improving the UK’s recycling infrastructure so that we can recycle a wider range of products, such as coffee cups and microwave oven-ready cartons?
Deposit Return Scheme — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend the Chancellor has initiated a review of the taxation and treatment of single-use plastics overall. One of the things we want to do is to make sure that the money that producers remit as a result of using particular materials is used to ensure improved recycling across the country. I know that Treasury Ministers—not just my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, but the Exchequer Secretary—are working hard on these matters.
Leaving the EU: Agricultural Sector — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Questions: What plans he has put in place to support the UK agricultural sector in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): Whatever the nature of our future economic partnership with the European Union, we will design and implement our own independent agriculture policy based on financial rewards and incentives for the delivery of public goods, and support farmers in reducing their costs and adding value to their produce so that they become more profitable.
Leaving the EU: Agricultural Sector — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Questions: What plans he has put in place to support the UK agricultural sector in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): I disagree with the right hon. Gentleman. We have already published our consultation on future agriculture policy—we are analysing the 44,000 responses —and we are looking at this closely. On the issue of trade, the UK is also a very important market for the European Union, notably for Irish beef, poultry from the Netherlands and pork from Denmark, so it is also in the EU’s interests to have a comprehensive free trade agreement.
Leaving the EU: Agricultural Sector — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Questions: What plans he has put in place to support the UK agricultural sector in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Maria Colette Caulfield (Conservative, Centre-right): Farmers in my constituency are concerned about a lack of focus on food production in agriculture policy post Brexit. Farmers are the biggest guardians of our environment, and they can protect the environment and produce food at the same time. What support will the Minister give farmers to enable them to produce food post Brexit?
Leaving the EU: Agricultural Sector — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Questions: What plans he has put in place to support the UK agricultural sector in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): I am grateful to my hon. Friend for making that point, and a number of farmers have also raised the issue with me. I would simply say that the consultation had sections on safeguarding a profitable future for farming, on fairness in the supply chain, on risk and resilience, and on investment in research and development, so there was lots on food production. I simply say that we want to change the way we farm so that it is more sustainable; not stop farming, or do work on the environment instead of farming.
Leaving the EU: Agricultural Sector — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Questions: What plans he has put in place to support the UK agricultural sector in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recently met the chief medical officer to talk about the important issue of antibiotics use. We also have the O’Neill report, which set key targets for the UK to reduce its use of antibiotics, and the UK has campaigned globally through various international forums to reduce the use of antibiotics in agriculture.
Leaving the EU: Agricultural Sector — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Foreign Trade
Questions: What plans he has put in place to support the UK agricultural sector in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Michael Louis David Fabricant (Conservative, Centre-right): Would my hon. Friend be surprised to learn that farmers in my constituency, while hoping that there will be a trade deal with the European Union, say that Brexit will provide a marvellous opportunity regardless of whether there is any such deal? In particular, specialist food manufacturers such as cheese manufacturers feel that if we can do free trade deals with countries such as the United States and Canada, that will increase their sales.
Leaving the EU: Agricultural Sector — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Questions: What plans he has put in place to support the UK agricultural sector in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend makes an important point. This is an opportunity for us to have a very different approach to agriculture policy and to support producers in this country as we look to the future. It is worth noting that analysis commissioned by the National Farmers Union shows that, even without a trade deal with the EU, most sectors in farming would see a slight firming in farm gate prices.
Leaving the EU: Agricultural Sector — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Questions: What plans he has put in place to support the UK agricultural sector in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State spoke to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury about these issues just a couple of days ago. We made a clear manifesto commitment to protect spending on agriculture until 2022—the end of this Parliament. Thereafter we will have a new funded policy.
Producer Responsibility Systems — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Questions: What steps he is taking to reform producer responsibility systems to incentivise producers to take more responsibility for the environmental effects of their products.
Mark Julian Francis Pawsey (Conservative, Centre-right): Does the Secretary of State agree that a reformed packaging recovery note system could provide funds for better recycling and waste collection, particularly for on-the-go packaging; reduce litter; and increase recycling rates? Does he also agree that that is a better option than the "latte levy" scheme, under which there is no assurance that the money will go towards environmental improvements?
Producer Responsibility Systems — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Questions: What steps he is taking to reform producer responsibility systems to incentivise producers to take more responsibility for the environmental effects of their products.
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend, who knows a great deal about packaging, waste and recycling, makes an important point. If we impose particular costs on producers, we should whenever possible ensure that those costs then go towards environmental enhancement and improving recycling. I am sure that his well-pitched case will be heard with sympathy in the Treasury.
Leaving the EU: Environmental Standards — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): As the House will know, the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill provides continuity and maintains high environmental and other standards as we leave the European Union. My Department is consulting on environmental principles and governance to ensure that we can have a world-leading body to hold the Government and others to account in order to maintain high environmental standards.
Leaving the EU: Environmental Standards — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady makes three very good points. First, yes, the polluter pays principle is an important one to maintain. Secondly, we do need enforcement powers. Thirdly, of course, if the UK Government are in breach of air quality rules, it will be the case, as in the past, that they have to be held accountable.
Leaving the EU: Environmental Standards — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Questions: Yesterday’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report pointed to a notable lack of detail on post-Brexit agricultural plans. Those concerns are echoed by the National Farmers Union and UK farmers, who are now writing to their MPs asking whether they should be planting crops for next year. UK farmers simply cannot afford to continue watching the Government kick the can down the road, so will the Secretary of State commit today to publishing a detailed and credible strategy by the end of this month?
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): We do not believe in kicking cans down the road; we believe that a deposit return scheme is a very effective way of making sure those cans are recycled The UK Government have published a consultation paper, "Health and Harmony", which outlines a post-common agricultural policy future for farmers in England. The Scottish Government have not yet done so. I have the highest regard for Fergus Ewing, the Minister responsible, but, energetic and talented though he is, the one thing he has not done is spell out his vision for the future.
Leaving the EU: Environmental Standards — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Government Operations
Questions: Yesterday’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report pointed to a notable lack of detail on post-Brexit agricultural plans. Those concerns are echoed by the National Farmers Union and UK farmers, who are now writing to their MPs asking whether they should be planting crops for next year. UK farmers simply cannot afford to continue watching the Government kick the can down the road, so will the Secretary of State commit today to publishing a detailed and credible strategy by the end of this month?
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): I am always grateful to the hon. Lady for all her suggestions, amendments and thoughts. We are consulting. We are asking the public exactly how many and what type of teeth this watchdog should have, but we are saying that the watchdog should start with enforcement powers, which include advisory notices. It is then open for discussion as to what additional powers the watchdog might have It is also the case that Back-Bench Conservative colleagues have tabled amendments, and we are considering those amendments. The hon. Lady makes a good point that the House of Lords made a case in good faith for how the watchdog could be strengthened, and I always listen to the other place with respect.
Animal Cruelty — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: When he plans to publish the findings of his consultation on the draft Animal Welfare (Sentencing and Recognition of Sentience) Bill; and if he will bring forward legislative proposals on five-year sentences for animal cruelty.
Andrew Richard Rosindell (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the Minister for his reply. Given that five-year sentencing for animal cruelty has gained cross-party support from MPs, the animal sector and the public, will he tell us how soon he will announce the details of when sentences can be given to those guilty of such awful crimes?
Animal Cruelty — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: When he plans to publish the findings of his consultation on the draft Animal Welfare (Sentencing and Recognition of Sentience) Bill; and if he will bring forward legislative proposals on five-year sentences for animal cruelty.
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): I agree with my hon. Friend on the importance of this measure, and for some time I have pressed to have maximum sentences for cruelty extended, particularly for some of the most shocking cases of cruelty. The Government are committed to doing this, we have published how we intend to do it, and as soon as parliamentary time allows we intend to introduce this change.
Fracking — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
David Henry Rutley (Conservative, Centre-right): DEFRA and the Environment Agency take the environmental risks associated with oil and gas exploration very seriously. We have a robust regulatory regime, drawn from global best practice and more than 50 years’ experience of regulating the onshore oil and gas industry safely in this country. The Environment Agency will issue a permit only if it is satisfied that any risks to people and the environment can be effectively managed.
Leaving the EU: Fishing Industry — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): Leaving the European Union will provide new opportunities for the UK fishing industry, including in Northern Ireland. On leaving the EU, we will become an independent coastal state controlling access to our own exclusive economic zone, and the fisheries Bill announced in the Queen’s Speech last year will introduce the powers necessary to do this.
Leaving the EU: Fishing Industry — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: International Affairs
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. The voisinage agreement gives Northern Ireland vessels and Irish Republic vessels access to one another’s waters, and it predates the existence of the EU. Following a decision by Ireland’s Supreme Court, its side of this has been suspended, pending further legislation. We intend to put further pressure on the Irish Government to raise this issue to ensure that they act on the undertaking they have given to re-establish their side of this agreement.
Leaving the EU: Fishing Industry — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Peter James Guy Aldous (Conservative, Centre-right): Can the Minister confirm that he has a plan to get the UK fleet through the implementation period, in order to tackle the challenges of ensuring we have enough fish to catch and implementing the discards ban?
Leaving the EU: Fishing Industry — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes, I can confirm that we do. We have been working in regional groups on the discards plan, looking at ways to deal with the problem of choke species. In the past week, I have written to Commissioner Vella with some suggestions on how we can adopt the right approach to deal with choke species, particularly hake in the North sea and haddock in the Celtic sea. I assure my hon. Friend that we are still working on these issues.
Leaving the EU: Fishing Industry — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Sarah James (Wollaston) (Conservative, Centre-right): Given that unfortunately fishermen’s rights have been traded away during the transition period, is not the best way to guarantee that we regain full control of the exclusive economic zone after Brexit to rejoin the European economic area and the European Free Trade Association?
Leaving the EU: Fishing Industry — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): Fishing has not been traded away in the transition agreement. We have made it clear in that agreement that nothing will change for the time-limited period until the end of December 2020, but we will negotiate as an independent coastal state in that year, 2020, for fishing opportunities in 2021.
Leaving the EU: Fishing Industry — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Douglas Gordon Ross (Conservative, Centre-right): Fishing is extremely important to my Moray constituency, so will the Minister join me in welcoming—perhaps for the only time—the Scottish National party report this week that said that Brexit could generate £540 million for the fishing industry and 5,000 jobs?
Waste Crime — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): We recently strengthened the Environment Agency’s powers to tackle problem waste sites and we allocated an extra £30 million for waste enforcement in last year’s Budget. We have also consulted on tightening the permitting and exemptions regime to improve the waste sector’s performance. Later this year, we will publish a resources and waste strategy that will set out our wider approach.
Waste Crime — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Mary Josephine Robinson (Conservative, Centre-right): I welcome the new powers given to the Environment Agency. Will my hon. Friend confirm that those new powers will enable it to curb effectively the rise of waste sites, which continue to break the law and blight our communities?
Waste Crime — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes, I can confirm to my hon. Friend that the new powers will enable the Environment Agency to do that. For example, they give the Environment Agency the power to lock gates and physically close down problem sites, and to require all waste to be removed from a site at which there are problems. We are also going to introduce tougher standards for those who hold licences.
Waste Crime — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): We have already made it clear that we are going to consult on tightening up the powers to take action against people who give their waste to fly-tippers, so that we can bring them to account more easily. Later this year, our resources and waste strategy will address some of the issues that the hon. Lady mentioned.
Waste Crime — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): All such sites are covered by a permitting regime that is run by the Environment Agency. We have put £60 million of extra money into the Environment Agency in recent years, including £30 million in the past year to deal with these sorts of problems.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Environment
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): Tomorrow is World Oceans Day, and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will travel to Canada to ensure that, in common with other G7 countries, we do everything we can to make sure that our marine environment is healthy. Much of the Government’s groundwork for the conference was undertaken by the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey); I know that everyone in the House will wish her well for a speedy recovery and a return to the Front Bench.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Jeremy John Elton Lefroy (Conservative, Centre-right): May I join my right hon. Friend in sending good wishes to our hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey)? Will he perhaps come to Staffordshire to see the excellent soft fruit, vegetable and salad farming that goes on there and also to discuss the needs for the future, in particular labour needs and needs for addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie before us?
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): Absolutely. My hon. Friend makes a very good point. I had the opportunity to visit soft fruit and salad growers in Cambridgeshire and in Norfolk recently and I appreciate the labour concerns that they have. I will take the opportunity to visit Staffordshire as soon as I can.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Questions: Small UK independent under-10 metre fishermen have historically been the big losers in the common fisheries policy. My fishermen in Newhaven are disappointed to learn that, post Brexit, fishing policy meetings are being held with big quota holders. Will the Minister commit to including the small independent under-10 metre fishermen in post-Brexit fishing policy discussions?
Charles George Eustice (Conservative, Centre-right): I can reassure my hon. Friend that I regularly meet members of the under-10 metre sector. Their trade body, the New Under Ten Fishermens Association, meets regularly and is actively engaged in discussions about future policy.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-06-07
Topic: Agriculture
Questions: Small UK independent under-10 metre fishermen have historically been the big losers in the common fisheries policy. My fishermen in Newhaven are disappointed to learn that, post Brexit, fishing policy meetings are being held with big quota holders. Will the Minister commit to including the small independent under-10 metre fishermen in post-Brexit fishing policy discussions?; Given the recent report that indicated there is an excess of incineration capacity in the United Kingdom, which is discouraging recycling, is there not a case now for a tax on incineration, or even a moratorium on new incinerators?; Strange to relate, but heathland grazing is an innovative way to manage some of the most wild and beautiful parts of our natural environment in Dorset. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss the Rural Payments Agency in general and its policy towards heathland grazing in particular?; As an indicator of the future, will the Secretary of State confirm once and for all that Scottish farmers will not see any of the £200 million EU convergence uplift money that Westminster has stolen from them?
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): Westminster has not stolen anything from Scotland’s farmers. Indeed, it is only thanks to the strength and the unity of the United Kingdom that Scotland’s farmers have a firm platform on which to build. One of the things that I thought was striking at the general election, which we all remember with such fondness occurring only 12 months ago, was that Scottish National party colleagues, many of them talented individuals, lost their seats to Scottish Conservative and Unionist colleagues because rural Scotland knows that its interests are better represented by the party of the Union than by the divisive, grievance-mongering separatists who masquerade as Scotland’s voice but who are, in fact, Scotland’s girners.