theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_275

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if her Department will support initiatives to connect books with (a) TV, (b) film and (c) gaming franchises to engage children and young people with reading. \p Chris Bryant: The government recognises the importance of reading for children’s development and of reading for pleasure. All children should have the opportunity to access books and other resources to support their learning and enjoyment. Many recognisable British stories start out as books before finding new audiences told through film, TV and video games adaptations, with production supported by the Government’s stable, efficient and reliable creative tax reliefs. The government is always supportive of the creative industries working together to enhance access of children to reading and literacy.

Arts Council England provides funding to literature organisations, writers, and independent publishers through National Portfolio funding and project grants. This includes grants for literary festivals, and support for organisations like BookTrust, which in addition to getting millions of children reading each year, works with school children until the age of 13 to showcase the very best in children’s literature. Moreover, Into Film and their partners have developed a course “Teaching Literacy through Film” which supports the use of film in classroom settings to improve speaking, listening, comprehension, and writing attainment. Many resources are provided from Oliver Twist to How to Train Your Dragon which combine the best of film and literature to provide excellent learning outcomes.

The government has also established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review covering ages 5 to 18, chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE. The review seeks to deliver an excellent foundation in the core subjects of reading, writing and maths, and a rich and broad, inclusive and innovative curriculum that readies young people for life and work. This includes creative subjects such as art and design, music and drama. The Review Group has now published a well-evidenced, clear interim report, which highlights the successes of the current system, making clear that the most trusted and valued aspects of our system will remain, whilst setting a positive vision for the future. The government will respond to the final recommendations in autumn.

In addition to the role that industry can play, public libraries are an important resource for teachers, parents and children to engage children and young people with reading.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what support is available for community sports organisations to help modernise (a) running tracks and (b) other facilities. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government recognises that sports clubs and facilities are important to communities up and down the country. High-quality, inclusive facilities help people get active. Everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, should have access to them and opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity.

Grassroots sport is also funded through the Government’s Arm’s Length Body, Sport England, who invest over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding each year.

Sport England’s Movement Fund also offers crowdfunding pledges, grants and resources to improve physical activity opportunities for the people and communities who need it the most. The Movement Fund can be used for the refurbishment or upgrading facilities to improve or create spaces that can provide opportunities to get more people active.

Alongside funding Sport England also provides extensive guidance to organisations looking to develop and modernise facilities. This guidance is available here.

The Government is also committed to continued funding for grassroots facilities. £100 million will be invested into grassroots sport facilities across the UK through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme. Investment into individual projects is still to be determined for 2025-26.

Future funding of sports facilities beyond 2025/26 will be considered following the Spending Review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Ben Maguire:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, if she will publish the full list of the 350 deprived communities that will receive new investment. \p Darren Jones: The government is setting out a more targeted, long-term local growth funding model across the UK, completing the transition from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This is only one part of our wider regional growth strategy, including our support for devolution, local government funding reform, and significant investment in housing, transport and innovation, ensuring that benefits are felt across the country.

The government is investing in up to 350 deprived communities across the UK, to fund interventions including community cohesion, regeneration and improving the public realm.

MHCLG will set out more detail in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Spending Review, published on 11 June 2025, whether the funding allocated to Casement Park is a (a) grant or (b) loan; whether a payment will be made to the (i) Gaelic Athletic Association or any body associated it or (ii) the Northern Ireland Executive or any Department associated wth it; and whether the UK Government will require any subsequent repayments or returned profits from activities at the Stadium when completed. \p Darren Jones: The UK Government has provided £50m of Capital Financial Transactions funding to redevelop Casement Park. The UK Government will continue to work with the Northern Ireland Executive, however it is up to the Executive to design and implement the Financial Transaction. The Financial Transaction will be provided to the Executive on a net basis, it does not need to be repaid to the UK Government and the Executive can recycle any repayments indefinitely.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_279

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made representations to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the monetary value of VAT registration thresholds. \p James Murray: At £90,000, the UK has a higher VAT registration threshold than any EU country and the joint highest in the OECD. This keeps the majority of businesses out of the VAT regime altogether.

The Chancellor has regular discussions with other Government Ministers on matters of common interest.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Ellie Chowns:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make it her policy to reclassify housing as essential infrastructure. \p Darren Jones: On 19 June, the government published UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. This sets out a long-term vision to deliver the infrastructure needed to drive the government’s missions, backed by at least £725 billion in infrastructure investment over the next decade.

Social, economic and housing infrastructure underpin the government’s central missions and the Plan for Change. That is why this government’s strategy brings together housing, social and economic infrastructure, aligning planning and delivery over the next 10 years to support growth.

The government has made its commitment to housing clear, including through major reforms to the planning system, its 10 year £39 billion investment in the Affordable Homes Programme, and the establishment of a new National Housing Bank backed with £16 billion of financial capacity, on top of £6bn of existing finance to be allocated this Parliament.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_1

Jim McMahon:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much the Government has spent on advertisements and subscriptions with (a) X, (b) Meta, (c) Tiktok and (d) Alphabet Inc. Google in each year since 2015. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The government uses paid advertising to communicate important government announcements and campaigns that affect the public. Please refer to the table below for Government spend on advertisements and subscriptions (please note - figures from 2015-2018 are not available):

2018*

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

X

£340,670.00

£2,482,367.00

£9,213,054.00

£9,166,707.00

£5,384,846.00

£2,385,782.00

£-

Meta

£1,916,697.00

£18,711,558.00

£31,824,185.00

£33,354,026.00

£20,630,493.00

£20,332,721.00

£17,195,792.00

TikTok

£-

£-

£1,850,770.00

£3,489,387.00

£618,346.00

£96,268.00

£204,553.00

Alphabet (inc Google)

£2,036,387.00

£17,968,414.00

£28,121,714.00

£23,808,972.00

£23,132,702.00

£26,326,818.00

£20,840,036.00

£4,293,754.00

£39,162,339.00

£71,009,723.00

£69,819,092.00

£49,766,387.00

£49,141,589.00

£38,240,381.00

*Please note the figures for 2018 are partial year spend due to contract changes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Mr Louie French:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what meetings the Government has had with David Kogan since 4 July 2024. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: Details of official meetings held in a ministerial capacity with external organisations or individuals are declared quarterly on GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_3

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what criteria her Department uses to determine eligibility for appointment to the Food Strategy Advisory Board. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Food Strategy Advisory Board is a small group of senior leaders selected for their wealth of experience, collectively reflecting important elements within the food system and its diversity. The Board stress tests ideas and provides advice. Members do not represent their business, sector or regional interests.

Defra keeps membership under review to ensure the Board holds the necessary depth and breadth of expertise.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_4

Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to bring forward legislation to formalise the license variation requiring English fishing vessels under 12m to operate iVMS while at sea. \p Dame Angela Eagle: A Statutory Instrument is scheduled to be laid once the Marine Management Organisation's rollout of IVMS has concluded.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether all catches are recorded and accounted for in UK fisheries. \p Dame Angela Eagle: To ensure fishing catches are accurately recorded and accounted for, all English vessels must record their catches either in a logbook or, for vessels under 10 metres, using the Catch Recording application. These systems provide an accurate picture of how much fish is being taken from English waters.

Compliance with this requirement is monitored through analysis of data and vessel inspections. Fisheries control and enforcement are devolved matters, with each Devolved Administration responsible for conducting inspections within its respective waters.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_6

Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she has taken to ensure that fishing catches are recorded and accounted for. \p Dame Angela Eagle: To ensure fishing catches are accurately recorded and accounted for, all English vessels must record their catches either in a logbook or, for vessels under 10 metres, using the Catch Recording application. These systems provide an accurate picture of how much fish is being taken from English waters.

Compliance with this requirement is monitored through analysis of data and vessel inspections. Fisheries control and enforcement are devolved matters, with each Devolved Administration responsible for conducting inspections within its respective waters.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_7

Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will publish a list of fishing vessel licences including sanctions for fisheries and labour offences. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) publish UK wide lists of licensed fishing vessels and details of fishing vessel licences. The MMO does not publish sanctions for fisheries offences, but regularly publishes details of its successful prosecutions for marine and fisheries offences on the UK government website.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 29 October 2025 to question 83891, if she will publish details of grants to the fishing and seafood sector from 2025, including details of vessels receiving funding and the nature of on-board improvements. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra is committed to ensuring transparency on the use of public funds. In England, details of grant awards to the fishing and seafood sector are already published on Gov.uk. Publications are updated regularly and made in line with legal obligations, including data protection and commercial confidentiality. As we are in the process of awarding grants for Fisheries and Seafood Scheme for 2025, these awards will be published in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 29 October 2025 to question 83898, how many (a) pelagic trawls over 24m and (b) demersal seines over 10m enrolled as volunteers to design and test Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) systems; and how long the design and testing phase of the REM rollout will take. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra is currently working with one volunteer vessel from Fishery A, pelagic trawls over 24m. No volunteers have come forwards from Fishery B, demersal seines over 10m. The volunteer early adopter phase of each REM project will continue until the project objectives and monitoring objectives are met.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 29 October 2025 to question 83898, what incentives there are for volunteer participants in the design and test phase for demersal trawls using mesh sizes up to 120mm, over 10m; and how many vessels in that category have volunteered for 2026. \p Dame Angela Eagle: All vessels taking part in REM early adopter projects have the opportunity to shape Defra’s approach to roll out, participating in programme design and flagging implementation issues. Volunteers can also recommend information and data they would like us to collect and how they would like it reported back. Defra also funds REM equipment and installation for volunteer early adopters.

At present there are no volunteers for Fishery C, Demersal trawls using mesh sizes up to 120mm, over 10m, English waters of the North Sea.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that funding delivered through the Fisheries and Coastal Growth Fund supports sustainability in fisheries. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund is a £360m investment over the next 12 years in the UK’s fisheries and seafood sector, and coastal communities. The fund aims to support the next generation of fishers and breathe new life into our coastal economies.

We are currently engaging with stakeholders to help shape the fund, ensure funding is targeted where it matters most, and to assess the best strategy for delivering impactful and sustainable investment. This includes a series of industry webinars and an online survey, and we welcome input from representatives from environmental NGOs and academia. Options to be funded are still under consideration and will be developed with due regard to the Environmental Principles Policy Statement, to balance immediate impact with long-term sustainability.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of appointing people from organisations that have recently undertaken remedial action on animal welfare issues on the Food Strategy Advisory Board’s work. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra is committed to upholding high standards across the food system, including in relation to animal welfare.

I was extremely concerned to see allegations and footage of animal welfare and environmental abuse at Cranswick farms. The film taken and shared by animal justice groups showed animal welfare treatment that was clearly unacceptable.

As such, I met with Tim Smith, chairman of Cranswick plc, to discuss these matters. I was reassured that Cranswick has taken swift and comprehensive remedial action in response to these incidents, including implementation of recommendations in an independent review into animal welfare and husbandry practices led by a senior veterinarian.

The Food Strategy Advisory Board is a small group of senior leaders who represent a wealth of experience and important elements within the food system and reflect the diversity of the sector. Members do not represent their business interests. Membership is kept under review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many fly-tipping incidents were reported and how many prosecutions were secured for each year from 2015 to date. \p Mary Creagh: Local authorities in England are required to report fly-tipping incidents and enforcement action, such as prosecutions, to Defra, which the department have published annually since 2012, at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fly-tipping-in-england. This data isn't available at a constituency level and excludes the majority of private-land incidents.  Data for the 2024/25 reporting year is still being collected.

Due to methodological changes, incident data for 2018/19 onwards is not comparable to earlier years.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled Government steps in to save historic rights of way from being lost to the nation, published on 26 December 2024, what her Department's planned timeline is for the (a) planning stages and (b) implementation of the nine new river walks. \p Mary Creagh: The Government has repealed the 2031 cut-off date, safeguarding hundreds of miles of historic rights of way so they remain available for public enjoyment. This change will be formally enacted when parliamentary time allows.

The Department plans to designate nine National River Walks across England are progressing. Defra is working with stakeholders to identify suitable locations and develop a delivery mechanism. Several delivery options are under consideration, and further details on planning and implementation will be provided in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Andrew Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the extent of the duties of the Canal and River Trust to maintain the River Weaver Navigation for navigation purposes in terms of (a) draught and (b) the furthest distance upstream required to meet the duty. \p Emma Hardy: It is the responsibility of organisations with statutory duties, including the Canal and River Trust, to ensure compliance with them. Maintaining the River Weaver for navigation is an operational matter for the Trust, and it’s important the Government respects the Trust’s operational independence.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department has taken to help position the UK as a global leader in blue finance. \p Emma Hardy: The UK has built its position as a leader in blue finance through policy engagement and our Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes. Through our portfolio of marine ODA programmes, Defra and FCDO work with a range of partners, including the UN, Multi-lateral Development Banks, not-for-profit partnerships and the private sector, to pilot and implement blue finance solutions that support sustainable blue economies.

The UK is committed to delivering a Sustainable Ocean Plan by 2027 as part of its active membership of the leader level High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. Placing nature, economic growth, and food security at its core, the Sustainable Ocean Plan will provide clear guidance for public and private sector decision-makers on how the UK can achieve 100% sustainable management of our seas and oceans.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October to Question 84396, what percentage of the fishing catch quota has been distributed through (a) Fixed Quota Allocation Units, (b) the Quota Application Mechanism and (c) other routes for the most recent year for which data is available. \p Dame Angela Eagle: In 2025, the percentage of quota distributed through fixed quota allocation units was around 90% (‘existing quota’ and ‘additional quota’), 5% of English allocated quota was distributed via the Quota Application Mechanism and 5% via alternative routes. In 2026, the percentage splits will change because the Quota Application Mechanism is increasing from 5 stocks to 14 stocks, for that reason fixed quota allocation will need adjusting accordingly and can only take place once we have concluded negotiations for access to fishing opportunities in December.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what conversations her Department is having with relevant stakeholders in Hexham constituency to support local communities involvement in the management of tree planting. \p Mary Creagh: Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund supports a range of work across these areas. This includes the Northumberland Woodland Creation Partnership, the North East Community Forest and Tees Community Forest. These partnerships engage and support communities, landowners and stakeholders to plant trees. They have proven successful and have good community involvement and engagement. In addition, the Forestry Commission provide support to these partnerships and carry out their own engagement.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made on the potential effect on the creation of habitats as a result of small sites being excluded from BNG as proposed in the Improving the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain for minor, medium and brownfield development consultation. \p Mary Creagh: A Government response to the ‘Improving biodiversity net gain for minor, medium and brownfield development’ consultation will be published in due course.

The Government will also publish a full impact assessment setting out all relevant costs and benefits.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_20

Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure food and drink producers in Hexham constituency can access government support for reducing trade barriers. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Our global network of 16 agrifood and drink attachés are breaking down market access barriers and creating new export opportunities, delivering benefits to businesses in Northumberland, the broader North East region and across the UK. So far this year we have pulled down 41 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth nearly £100 million to the British food and drink sector. We work closely with industry to identify and resolve barriers, taking into account value, sectoral priorities and importance to local economies. Together with market access secured through Free Trade Agreements, such as the recent agreement with India, this opens the door to British businesses to capitalise on strong global demand for British produce.

Businesses in the North East can report a barrier directly through the online report a barrier service or via their trade association. There are a range of tools and support available for exporters through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the department has plans to implement in-ovo sexing technology. \p Dame Angela Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 20 October 2025 to the hon. Member for Warrington South, PQ UIN 80064.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the resilience of the food system. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The UK has a resilient food supply chain and is equipped to deal with situations with the potential to cause disruption. The United Kingdom Food Security Report (UKFSR) sets out an analysis of statistical data relating to food security in the UK, fulfilling the duty in the Agriculture Act 2020 to present a report on food security to Parliament at least once every three years. The first UKFSR was produced in 2021. The most recent UKFSR was published on 11th December 2024. The UKFSR examines past, current, and future trends relevant to food security to present the best available understanding of food security at the time of publication.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Patrick Spencer:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the 2025 harvest on (a) farm profitability and (b) business viability. \p Dame Angela Eagle: We regularly publish statistics on farm incomes and profitability. The latest figures on Farm Business Income covering the 2024/25 year were published on 20 November 2025: Farm business income - GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps she has taken to replace the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Government is steadfastly committed to our excellent horticulture sector and the vital role that it plays in strengthening food security by ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of fresh home-grown produce.

In 2024, the value of UK-grown fruit and vegetables was over £3 billion increasing by 4.5% and 2.1% respectively with the overall fresh fruit and vegetable market valued at approximately £11 billion including exports worth around £170 million contributing significantly to the UK economy.

With the closure of the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme, future support for the sector is being considered alongside Defra’s work to simplify and rationalise agricultural grant funding, ensuring that grants deliver the most benefit for food security and value for money for the taxpayer.

Wider Government support for the sector includes a five-year extension of the Seasonal Worker visa route, providing greater stability for businesses, and a continued easement on import checks for medium-risk fruit and vegetables ahead of the new SPS agreement with the EU.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of food security. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The UK has a resilient food supply chain and is equipped to deal with situations with the potential to cause disruption. Defra regularly meets with Cabinet Office, other Government Departments, Devolved Governments on resilience planning, including food security.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that people appointed to the Food Strategy Advisory Board uphold high standards across the food system, including on animal welfare. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Food Strategy Advisory Board is a small group of senior leaders who represent a wealth of experience and important elements within the food system and reflect the diversity of the sector. The Board considers ideas and provides advice on the food strategy. Members do not represent their business, sector or regional interests.

Members are expected to observe the highest standards of impartiality, integrity and objectivity in relation to the advice and recommendations they provide, as set out in the terms of reference published on the Board’s page on gov.uk.

Defra keeps membership under review to ensure the Board holds the necessary depth and breadth of expertise.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many vehicles were (a) seized and (b) crushed for fly-tipping offences in (i) Fylde, (ii) Lancashire, and (iii) England in the last 12 months. \p Mary Creagh: Local authorities in England are required to report fly-tipping enforcement actions, including vehicles seized, to Defra, which are published annually here. This data is not available at a constituency level and does not include information on what happened to the vehicle after it was seized. Data for the 2024/25 reporting year is still being collected.

In the last 12 months no vehicles have been seized in relation to waste crime offences by the Environment Agency within Fylde or Lancashire. The last vehicle seizure in Lancashire was October 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_28

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps she has taken to protect food security. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Food Sector is one of the UK's 13 Critical National Infrastructure sectors. Defra and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are joint Lead Government Departments (LGDs), with Defra leading on supply and the FSA on food safety. We work closely with the Cabinet Office and other LGDs ensuring food supply is fully incorporated as part of emergency preparedness, including consideration of dependencies on other sectors.  Defra works with industry and across Government to monitor risks that may arise. This includes extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply chains.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_29

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled Reed: Government to cut sewage pollution in half by 2030, published on 19 July 2025, what proportion of the £104 billion funding will be spent in Bedfordshire. \p Emma Hardy: The Government has secured £104 billion of investment which includes over £10 billion to reduce sewage discharges from over 2,500 storm overflows in England and £4.8 billion to reduce phosphorus pollution. This will deliver on cleaning up our rivers, lakes, and seas.

Further information on Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) actions for water companies to deliver within the 2025-2030 period is available for the public here: Price Review 2024 Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) App. This can be filtered by Local Authority.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_30

Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 November 2025 to Question 88050 on Farmers: Mental Health and Productivity, if her Department will make an estimate of the cost of producing such research. \p Dame Angela Eagle: It is impossible to calculate costs of potential research without specifying the exact parameters of what is being researched in detail. Engagement with charities and wider stakeholders has not indicated an immediate need for commissioning of research in this area; however, we will continue to bring together evidence on farmer mental health collected in other ways.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_31

Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he will publish the formal response to Sir John Cunliffe's Independent Water Commission's final report. \p Emma Hardy: The Government will respond to the recommendations in full via a White Paper, published later this year. The White Paper will outline the Government’s vision for the future of the water sector, marking the most fundamental reset to our water system in a generation.

Following this, we will introduce reforms through primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, bringing forward root and branch reform to secure better outcomes for customers, and the environment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_32

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an estimate of the (a) amount and (b) proportion of mechanically dried honey sold as honey in the UK; and what steps he is taking to ensure that honey sold in the UK meets legal compositional standards. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Department does not collect data on the amount and proportion of mechanically dried honey sold as honey in the UK. However, we do regularly collect UK honey import trade data.

The Government recognises the importance of protecting food standards and has set minimum quality standards for many foods, including honey. All honey on sale, regardless of where it comes from must comply with the Honey Regulations 2015 which set out detailed specifications of its composition, labelling, and quality criteria. These are robust standards which aim to protect honey, ensuring that it meets a set definition and characteristics.

Defra works closely with enforcement authorities who are responsible for enforcing our honey laws, the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) National Food Crime Unit, Food Standards Scotland’s (FSS) Food Crime and Incidents Unit, local and port health authorities, industry and others on investigating any potential fraud issues raised, to ensure honey sold in the UK meets our high standards and maintains a level playing field between honey producers. Enforcement authorities also routinely test honey for compliance with the honey regulations.

Defra and the FSA also support a programme of research dedicated to honey authenticity where it is actively working to provide information and guidance to those carrying out monitoring and enforcement checks on honey, to protect consumers and legitimate businesses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_33

Tim Farron:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the current SwimFo system in helping the public understand bathing-water risks. \p Emma Hardy: We know that local communities want to have a clear picture of water quality at popular bathing sites. The Environment Agency (EA) publishes sampling information during the bathing season on Swimfo to inform bathers of water quality and provide daily pollution risk warnings. This includes details on over 450 bathing waters, including classifications, pollution sources, and seasonal water quality results. Local Authorities use this information to provide bathing water quality information on physical signs at each bathing water.

The EA has introduced several stabilisation measures to reduce service disruptions and will continue to enhance the resilience of Swimfo ahead of the next bathing season. They are also exploring redevelopment opportunities to enhance its communication and improve its service delivery. This will include working with the public and key stakeholders to understand their needs and preferences for future developments of the system.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_34

Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department will assess the potential impacts of the (a) Veterinary Medicines Internal Market Scheme and (b) Veterinary Medicines Health Situations Scheme on the agri-food supply chain in Northern Ireland during the first year of implementation. \p Dame Angela Eagle: We are confident in the two schemes being introduced by the Government and will continue to closely monitor the situation over the upcoming year and beyond. After extensive stakeholder engagement, our current assessment is that there will be minimal disruptions to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland and the agri-food supply chain will continue as it is now.

The two schemes will take effect from 1 January, and we will monitor their effectiveness.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_35

Tim Farron:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take steps to ensure that (a) people swimming away from the shoreline and (b) all other lake users are considered in future bathing-water monitoring strategies. \p Emma Hardy: The Bathing Water Regulations 2025 were laid before Parliament on 28 October 2025 and come into force 21 November 2025. Defra is committed to working with local and national stakeholders as work progresses to implement these Regulations.

In the November – December 2024 consultation on bathing water reforms, views were also sought about further reforms to expand of the definition of ‘bathers’ to include other water users at both coastal and inland sites, and the use of multiple monitoring points at each bathing water site where useful to classify bathing water quality.

We are now exploring further research and policy development to determine how best to implement these reforms and consider any potential environmental and societal impacts. Defra will engage with local and national stakeholders as this work progresses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_36

Kerry McCarthy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress she has made on supporting the Fungal Conservation Pledge since the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) in 2024. \p Mary Creagh: To deliver against the statutory targets for biodiversity, in England, we are taking action at scale to create, restore, manage, and protect wildlife-rich habitats, reduce pressures on biodiversity, and take targeted action for species. This includes actions which support conservation and recovery of fungi.

Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme plays a vital role in taking targeted action for threatened species, including fungi. Additionally, we are aware of the initiative led by Plantlife and Natural England to develop a national fungi conservation plan, and we will continue to engage as this plan evolves.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_37

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is undertaking to support public engagement on (a) climate and (b) nature issues in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Mary Creagh: The UK Government provides a range of funding, incentives and advisory support to nature restoration and climate action across the country.

Surrey County Council is the responsible authority for preparing the Surrey Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), which will agree priorities for nature recovery in the area and identify and map the best locations for action to be taken to benefit nature and the wider environment. The Surrey LNRS has recently completed public consultation and is now preparing to be published.

On climate, we are also committed to working in partnership with local Government, recognising the essential role that local communities play in mitigating and adapting to climate change. Our support includes the Local Authority Climate Service, a tool which provides Met Office climate data to local authorities based on their specific geographic areas, enabling them to take more effective decisions based on their local risk landscape.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_38

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many (a) Equality Impact Assessments and (b) equality screenings have been produced by her Department in the last three months. \p Dame Angela Eagle: In line with the Equality Act 2010, Defra encourages and promotes the completion of Equality Impact Assessments to ensure our policies and decisions consider impacts on protected groups.

Defra does not hold information centrally on Equality Impact Assessments that have been produced by the department and is therefore unable provide details on the number produced. We do not carry out Equality Screenings, instead requiring teams to always demonstrate due regard to the aims of the Act and use the Equality Impact Assessment form.

To provide the information requested Defra would be required to contact all teams and this would incur disproportionate costs.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_39
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_39

Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to provide real-time operational guidance to veterinary practices and Suitably Qualified Persons in Northern Ireland on product availability changes after 31 December 2025. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Guidance was published in June and recently updated reflecting industry feedback; the updated guidance that was published included specific references to vets and suitably qualified persons.
wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-24 conversation_40

Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the readiness of (a) veterinary practices and (b) farm businesses in Northern Ireland for changes to regulations on veterinary medicines. \p Dame Angela Eagle: We continue to engage extensively with industry stakeholders across the supply chain to support them with continued availability of veterinary medicines beyond the grace period. This includes engagement with veterinary and farmer associations and businesses. The Government has also issued extensive guidance and intends to publish several webinars shortly. This guidance provides information to help veterinary practices and farm businesses prepare.