theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps his Department has taken to strengthen partnerships with African countries to help build resilience against terrorism. \p Anneliese Dodds: Our partnerships with African countries are a core component of our approach to tackling terrorism across the continent, drawing on our domestic counter-terrorism experience while learning from our African partners' unique perspectives to enhance this work. The UK works to strengthen partnerships with key African partners through bilateral cooperation, such as our Security and Defence partnerships with Nigeria and Ghana, and our Security Compact with Kenya. The UK is also proactively engaged in supporting regional initiatives such as the African Union and multilateral institutions, including the Global Coalition Against Daesh and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF).

Through the UK's Integrated Security Fund, we are directly supporting capacity and resilience building, complementary to conflict prevention, stabilisation, and development approaches. For example, the Kenya-Somalia-Ethiopia Borderlands Project integrates preventing violent extremism activity with development and peacebuilding approaches to improve stability and counter the regional threat posed by Al-Shabaab.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2025 to Question 22620 on Development Aid: Review, which stakeholders were consulted for the review. \p Anneliese Dodds: A broad range of stakeholders were consulted including from Parliament, academia, the non Governmental organisation sector, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's global network.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Mr Calvin Bailey:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much and what proportion of his Department's budget he plans to allocate to mine action in the 2025-26 financial year. \p Anneliese Dodds: We are currently considering Official Development Assistance programme allocations for 2025/26 and will publish them in the FCDO Annual Report and Accounts in the summer.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 28 January 2025 to Question 24872 on Nutrition for Growth Summit, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of making an (a) financial and (b) policy announcement from the UK at the Nutrition for Growth summit. \p Anneliese Dodds: The UK remains committed to meeting its existing Nutrition for Growth (N4G) financial commitment of spending £1.5 billion from 2022 to 2030 on nutrition objectives. For the 2025 Nutrition for Growth summit, the UK will champion the integration of improved nutrition outcomes in other sectors, including health, agriculture, humanitarian, and climate, and is considering further policy commitments. On a further financial commitment, Ministers will consider Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for future years as part of the Spending Review, which will conclude in the summer.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Siân Berry:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his speech entitled The Kew Lecture: Foreign Secretary's speech on the climate crisis, given on 17 September 2024, whether he has made any changes to staffing organisation in his Department to reflect the new priorities set out in that speech; and how many staff in his Department are working primarily on global ocean protection. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Kew Lecture announced that UK Special Representatives for Climate and Nature would be appointed. Rachel Kyte CMG and Ruth Davis OBE took up these roles on 21 October and 15 November, respectively. In addition, several Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) roles have been created or amended to reflect the priorities set out in the Kew Lecture, for example to drive forward the new Global Clean Power Alliance.

Full information on how many FCDO staff work on energy, climate and environmental issues is not held centrally. Based on self-reported information, around 400 staff overseas, and around 330 staff in HQ roles, currently work on these issues, either full-time or along with other responsibilities. This includes 12 staff in HQ roles working primarily on different aspects of global ocean protection.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to update the International Development Select Committee on the independent development review. \p Anneliese Dodds: Plans to discuss the findings of the development review with the International Development Select Committee are currently being agreed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with partners in the Global South to help ensure that Official Development Assistance spending aligns with their development priorities. \p Anneliese Dodds: Our mission is to build partnerships to help create a world free from poverty on a liveable planet. We will build modern, mutually beneficial, bilateral development partnerships to drive growth, protect our planet and strengthen security, which will help contribute to a safer, more prosperous UK. The UK's development cooperation maximises mutual benefit - delivering the greatest possible impact for the needs and aspirations of both the British people and our partners. The UK's development spending is central to achieving our mission and is informed by our approach to partnerships.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to provide funds to (a) Gavi and (b) the International Finance Facility for Immunisation for 2026-2037; and what the annual contribution was to those organisations between 2011 and 2015. \p Anneliese Dodds: The UK is one of the largest donors to Gavi and the largest contributor to the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm). The UK has committed £1.65 billion to Gavi's current "5.1" strategic period covering 2021-2025 via direct contributions and IFFIm proceeds. As part of the Spending Review (SR) the UK is looking at all global health investments in the round. Announcements will follow the completion of the SR. The UK's total contribution to Gavi's third strategic period covering 2011-2015 was $2.27 billion of which $1.42bn was provided directly and $474 million through IFFIm.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress he has made on the review of funding for Gavi under the spending review; and whether he has made a decision on future contributions. \p Anneliese Dodds: The UK is one of the largest donors to Gavi contributing £1.65 billion to Gavi's current "5.1" strategic period covering 2021-2025. As part of the Spending Review (SR) the UK is looking at all global health investments in the round. Announcements will follow the completion of the SR.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has plans to increase funding to the OECD. \p Anneliese Dodds: All 38 Member countries contribute to funding the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Part I budget based on a proportion that is shared equally among member countries and a scale that is proportional to the relative size of their economies. The Part I budget for 2024 was EUR 229.9 million. The OECD biennial Part I budget negotiation for 2025/26 concluded in December 2024. Members collectively agreed to an overall Part I budget of EUR 235 million in 2025 and EUR 238 million in 2026, representing no increase to the OECD's budget in real terms. During the discussions, the UK worked with other members to agree to measurable efficiencies and savings linked to long term organisational reform and transparency to ensure that the organisation delivers value for money for members.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Blair McDougall:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the use of sexual violence by extremist groups in the north east and north west of Nigeria. \p Anneliese Dodds: The UK is committed to preventing sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) and to supporting victims in Nigeria. We welcomed Nigeria's endorsement of both the Call to Action and the Murad Code as crucial steps for greater practical action to tackle Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV). Through the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), the UK is supporting the Nigerian police and military in the conflicted-affected North East of Nigeria to respond to sexual and gender-based violence. In the Financial Year of 2023/24, over 5000 Nigerian security personnel received training on Human Rights and preventing gender-based violence (GBV). The UK's Humanitarian and Resilience Programme (HARP) also provided support to 551 women and girls facing gender-based violence with comprehensive treatment and case management. The UK is also committed to ensuring the rights and inclusion of women and girls in North West Nigeria are protected. In the Financial Year of 2023/24, the ISF Nigeria Stability Programme (NSP) funded 52 sessions on preventing sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) and 6 Mixed Observer Teams (MOTs) which are actively supporting communities to address GBV prevention and response.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 February 2025 to Question 27480 on Commonwealth Scholarships Programme, if she will list the (a) subject areas and (b) courses undertaken by those funded through the Commonwealth Scholarship in the last five years. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK publishes its Annual Reports, which provide information on the subject areas and courses undertaken by scholarship recipients. The most recent report was laid before Parliament on 17 December 2024 and is available on gov.uk. Further details can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/csc-annual-reports
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Siân Berry:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on the US President's proposals on the transfer of Palestinians from Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary had a call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 27 January, prior to President Trump's comments on Gaza. The readout is available on gov.uk. We continue to engage closely with the US Administration across the spectrum of issues related to the situation in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). Our priority in Gaza remains sustaining the fragile ceasefire, ensuring that all the hostages are released, increasing the supply of aid, and breaking the ongoing cycle of violence in pursuit of a permanent, sustainable peace.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Adrian Ramsay:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of comments made by US President Trump about Gaza on the current schedule for the release of hostages under the Gaza ceasefire. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The new US administration played an integral role in negotiating the ceasefire agreement, alongside Qatar and Egypt. The Prime Minister reiterated his thanks for these efforts in his call with President Trump on 26 January. The government will continue to work with the US to sustain the fragile ceasefire, ensure that all the hostages are released, increase the supply of aid, and break the ongoing cycle of violence in pursuit of a permanent, sustainable peace. As the Foreign Secretary has emphasised, we continue to call for the immediate release of all hostages
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he has made an assessment of the potential impact of statements on Gaza by President Trump on 4 February 2025 on the temporary Gaza ceasefire deal. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The government's objective remans a negotiated two-state solution, with a sovereign Palestinian state, which includes the West Bank and Gaza, alongside a safe and secure Israel. In order to deliver this, it is clear that Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return to their communities in Gaza and rebuild and that there can be no forcible transfer of Gazans from or within Gaza, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip. The new US administration played an integral role in negotiating the ceasefire agreement, alongside Qatar and Egypt. The UK will continue to work closely with the US to sustain the fragile ceasefire, ensure that all the hostages are released, increase the supply of aid, and break the ongoing cycle of violence in pursuit of a permanent, sustainable peace.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to help protect the rights of residents in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Gaza lies in ruins, and it is crucial we move through the phases of the current ceasefire agreement to the reconstruction of Gaza. That is the guarantee that there is a future for Palestinians in their home. We've always been clear in our belief that we must see two states. We must see Palestinians able to live and prosper in their homelands. We oppose moving Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring Arab states against their will. There must be no forced displacement of Palestinians, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza strip. Palestinian civilians should be able to return to and rebuild their homes and their lives.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of President Trump's remarks on the future of Gaza and the Palestinian people made on 4 February 2024. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The government's objective remans a negotiated two-state solution, with a sovereign Palestinian state, which includes the West Bank and Gaza, alongside a safe and secure Israel. In order to deliver this, it is clear that Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return to their communities in Gaza and rebuild and that there can be no forcible transfer of Gazans from or within Gaza, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip. The UK will continue to work closely with the US to sustain the fragile ceasefire, ensure that all the hostages are released, increase the supply of aid, and break the ongoing cycle of violence in pursuit of a permanent, sustainable peace.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will recognise Palestine as a state. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We support a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. We must see Palestinians able to live and prosper in their homelands. We oppose moving Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring Arab states against their will. There must be no forced displacement of Palestinians, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza strip. Palestinian civilians should be able to return to and rebuild their homes and their lives. We must give the people of the West Bank and Gaza the political perspective of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future, and it needs to be irreversible. Our long-standing position has been that we will recognise a Palestinian State at a time that is most conducive to the peace process.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Olly Glover:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to increase assistance to states affected by (a) fragility, (b) conflict and (c) violence. \p Anneliese Dodds: The UK helps states affected by fragility, conflict, and violence using a range of development and diplomacy levers to support those best placed to build peace. UK funded programmes through Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the UK Integrated Security Fund (ISF) help address the underlying causes.

In addition to bilateral and regional programming, the UK continues to invest in the Peacebuilding Fund, the UN's primary mechanism supporting prevention and peacebuilding activity in over 40 countries including Sudan, South Sudan, West Africa, and the Sahel. The UK has contributed over £175 million since the inception of the Peacebuilding Fund in 2006, including £5 million for 2024-2025.

The UK also remains one of the largest global humanitarian aid donors, funding bilateral life-saving support during humanitarian crisis, including in many regions that are affected by conflict and violence, such as the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Sudan, and Ukraine.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Carla Denyer:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to oppose any (a) forcible displacement and (b) ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government's objective remans a negotiated two-state solution, with a sovereign Palestinian state, which includes the West Bank and Gaza, alongside a safe and secure Israel. In order to deliver this, it is clear that Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return to their communities in Gaza and rebuild and that there can be no forcible transfer of Gazans from or within Gaza, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip. The new US administration played an integral role in negotiating the ceasefire agreement, alongside Qatar and Egypt. The UK will continue to work closely with the US to sustain the fragile ceasefire, ensure that all the hostages are released, increase the supply of aid, and break the ongoing cycle of violence in pursuit of a permanent, sustainable peace.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Prime Minister discussed proposals to (a) reduce the length of term of the proposed lease and (b) make changes to the financial arrangements for the proposed terms of the lease of the military base at Diego Garcia agreed with the Mauritius Government on 3 October 2024 during his phone call with the Prime Minister of Mauritius on 31 January 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Rt Hon Member to the read-out of their meeting on gov.uk.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he shared with the US Administration a copy of the proposed Treaty with Mauritius over the future sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory. \p Stephen Doughty: We shared the proposed treaty with the new US Administration upon their taking office. Our primary goal throughout negotiations is to protect the joint UK-US military base in Diego Garcia, which plays a crucial role in regional and international security. The UK has been working in lockstep with the US since the start of negotiations in 2022, including under the previous Conservative government. Given Diego Garcia's status as a key strategic asset, it is right that the new US Administration has the chance to consider the agreement.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Adrian Ramsay:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on President Trump's proposals for the US to (a) takeover and (b) own Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary had a call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 27 January, prior to President Trump's comments on Gaza. The readout is available on gov.uk. We will continue to engage with the US Administration across the spectrum of foreign policy issues, including the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). Our priority in Gaza remains sustaining the fragile ceasefire, ensuring that all the hostages are released, increasing the supply of aid, and breaking the ongoing cycle of violence in pursuit of a permanent, sustainable peace
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an estimate of median income for farmers in the 2024-25 financial year. \p Daniel Zeichner: Data for the 2024/25 financial year is not yet available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how local authorities are charged for the costs of residual waste disposal through (a) incineration and (b) landfill. \p Mary Creagh: For too long the nation has seen recycling rates stagnate and relied on burning or burying waste.

The Government is committed to transitioning to a circular economy, a future where we keep our resources in use for longer, waste is reduced, we accelerate the path to net zero, we see investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs, our economy prospers, and nature thrives. Key to this commitment is the reduction of residual waste.

Charges for waste disposal are usually expressed as a pound per tonne cost and paid monthly in arrears depending on the tonnage managed under the contractual relationship. The overall cost of waste disposal will depend on a number of variables, associated with their contracts.

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap) publishes an annual gate fees report UK Gate Fees report 2023-24 | WRAP.

The disposal of waste in landfill is also subject to the Landfill Tax. Landfill Tax rates - GOV.UK
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish the total cost to the public purse for the provision of diversity, equality and inclusion courses for staff in her Department in 2024. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) uses the Civil Service Learning Frameworks for the provision of diversity, equality and inclusion training for our people.

The financial information held by the department is limited to customer or supplier. The core department spent £1,246,267.27 with the Civil Service Learning Framework supplier. The department is not able identify how much the department has spent specifically on diversity, equality and inclusion training because our financial reports do not provide course titles.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Juliet Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what flood prevention and relief measures have been considered for Nottinghamshire. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) is making plans to allocate £20 million to schemes in Nottinghamshire.

This includes:

The EA is also working with other Risk Management Authorities to deliver:
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Alison Hume:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance his Department has issued on the circumstances in which heather burning can be used to manage (a) moorland and (b) peatland. \p Mary Creagh: Defra and Natural England are currently consulting with stakeholders to develop a refreshed Heather and Grass Management Code to replace the Heather and Grass Burning Code, published in 2007. The code will detail good practice on planning where to burn and how to burn safely and responsibly. This is in addition to detailed guidance published to support The Heather and Grass etc Burning (England) Regulations 2021.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support nature-friendly farming. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government is supporting farmers to implement nature-friendly farming practices through a range of measures. These include habitat restoration and creation; activities to reduce the impact of invasive non-native species on sites or to address pressures on sensitive areas; improvements in water storage and management; and changes to limit emissions while maintaining agricultural profitability and increasing productivity.

These measures will be delivered through the Government’s environmental land management schemes. This Government’s vision is a sector that recognises restoring nature is not in competition with sustainable food production but is essential to it. In the Budget announced in October 2024, the Government committed £5 billion to the farming budget over two years, including £1.8 billion for environmental land management schemes in 2025/26. This is the largest ever budget directed at sustainable food production and nature’s recovery in our country’s history and enables us to keep momentum on the path to a more resilient and sustainable farming sector.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce the risk of flooding in Bromsgrove constituency. \p Emma Hardy: Communities at risk of flooding in the Bromsgrove constituency include Hagley, Hollywood, and Bromsgrove itself. At present, there have been no reports to the Environment Agency of property flooding in this constituency during the recent wet weather.

The Environment Agency has been supporting Worcestershire County Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority and Bromsgrove District Council, to establish flood risk management projects on the 2021-2026 Flood and Coastal Risk Management Investment Programme. Over £300,000 has been invested to date with a further £1.2 million planned to be invested under the new Government. The projects aim to better protect over 100 properties from flooding through Property Level Resilience interventions across Bromsgrove and Redditch Council areas.

The Environment Agency is engaging with the community at Hagley and Bromsgrove via flood action groups and responding to direct enquiries from residents.

A Flood Warning Service is available to over 900 homes and businesses at risk of flooding from main rivers in the constituency. The Environment Agency will continue to collaborate with partners towards raising awareness of flood risk in the area to support community resilience.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of restructuring Thames Water as a Community Interest Company. \p Emma Hardy: The Government and Ofwat are carefully monitoring the situation with Thames Water, and the company remains stable. Thames Water is a private company, as such it would be inappropriate to comment any further on their corporate structure.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to reintroduce capital grant schemes for farmers. \p Daniel Zeichner: In November 2024, we closed parts of the Capital Grants scheme to new applications following unprecedented demand. We are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation. We will provide an update in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on rural entrepreneurship. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues.
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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (a) how many and (b) what value of grants were awarded to farmers for net zero projects in the last 12 months. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra group (including the core department, Natural England, the Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency) has not awarded any net zero grants to farmers. However, while there may not be specific net zero actions, much of Defra’s work and the grants awarded to farmer will contribute towards achieving net zero. Labour believes that the farming sector must have food production at its core, but that restoring nature is not in competition with sustainable food production; instead it is essential to it.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he will publish the outcomes of his Departments consultation entitled Fairer Food Labelling, which closed in May 2024. \p Daniel Zeichner: A public consultation on fairer food labelling was undertaken between March and May 2024 by the previous Government. This sought views on proposals to improve and extend current mandatory method of production labelling. The consultation also sought views on whether new rules should be introduced on country-of-origin labelling. We are now carefully considering all responses before deciding on next steps and will respond to this consultation in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to ban the (a) importation and (b) sale of dogs with (i) cropped ears and (ii) docked tails for cosmetic reasons. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government recently announced its support for the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, a Private Members’ Bill sponsored by the hon. Member for Winchester. The Bill will give the Government powers to prevent the supply of low-welfare pets to the United Kingdom. We will use these powers to prohibit the import of puppies and kittens under six months old, dogs and cats which have been subject to non-exempted mutilations such as cropped ears, docked tails and declawing, and heavily pregnant dogs and cats.

We are fully supportive of this Bill and would like to see it pass through both Houses as soon as Parliamentary time allows.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_66

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to restrict the sale of cats online. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra endorses the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) to combat growing concerns regarding the irresponsible advertising of pets for sale, rehoming, and exchange. PAAG has been engaging with online marketplaces in the UK to help them distinguish appropriate adverts from those that should be removed. Defra has also backed a set of Advertising Standards developed by PAAG, which several of the UK’s largest classified websites have agreed to meet.
wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_67
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_67

Mrs Elsie Blundell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with (a) local residents and (b) the Environment Agency on the proposed additional landfill site near the Pilsworth South landfill site. \p Mary Creagh: Valencia Waste Management has applied to the Environment Agency (EA) for a new Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) at the Pilsworth South Landfill Site. This activity requires a variation to the existing landfill permit.

The variation has been subject to public consultation and is still being determined.

The EA engaged directly with the local community, partners, Greater Manchester Mayor, Members of Parliament, Councillors, and stakeholders. The consultation closed on 23 August 2024 with approximately 280 responses received from the public and stakeholders.

Bury Council is responsible for the planning permission for the MRF.

The EA is not aware of any proposals for new landfill sites in this immediate area.
wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_68
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_68

Mark Pritchard:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce rates of self-harm by people who work in (a) farming and (b) other agricultural industries. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra has set up a dedicated team to look at the particular set of issues driving poor mental health outcomes in the farming and agricultural sector. We will be working in consultation with communities, farming support organisations and experts across the Government to review how we can best support those experiencing poor mental health.

Furthermore, the Government is building a national network of Young Futures hubs, which will be present in every community and will deliver support for young people facing mental health challenges.

Finally, the Government is giving mental health the same attention and focus as physical health through measures such as employing 8,500 new mental health support workers. This will reduce delays and provide faster treatment closer to people’s homes.
wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_69
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_69

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support (a) existing and (b) the creation of new local abattoirs. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government firmly believes that food security is national security and is committed to maintaining a resilient food supply chain. Defra recognises the vital contribution a thriving abattoir network plays in achieving this goal. We remain committed to working with abattoirs of all sizes across the UK’s meat processing sector in tackling the challenges and opportunities they face.
wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_70
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_70

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent progress his Department has made on the (a) allocation and (b) accessibility of funding to support farmers to transition to Environmental Land Management schemes; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of transitional funding supporting farmers to adopt sustainable practices. \p Daniel Zeichner: In the October 2024 budget, we committed £5 billion for farming over two years, including £1.8 billion for our environmental land management (ELM) schemes - the largest ever budget directed at sustainable food production and nature’s recovery in our country’s history. ELM schemes remain at the centre of our offer for farmers and nature, and we have more than half of farmers in an ELM scheme, putting us on the path to a more resilient and sustainable farming sector.

Evaluation has shown that improvements like the simplified Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) application process have reduced barriers to scheme access. Clearly stated requirements and proportionate, regular payments are also viewed positively by participants. With uptake of SFI meeting expectations, ongoing evaluation will ensure we understand and address any further barriers to participation. We are aware of challenges for some farmers trying to move from existing Higher Level Stewardship agreements to new SFI agreements and are working to resolve this over time.

We publish regular statistics on farm income in England and other data related to farm businesses. For example, on 14 November 2024, we published our Farm Business Income statistics (Farm business income - GOV.UK), which looked at how farm business income has changed in 2023/24, including the contribution of Direct Payments and agri-environment payments to farm incomes. Farming evidence packs have been recently updated including key statistics and farm performance (Farming statistics evidence packs - GOV.UK). These set out an extensive range of data to provide an overview of agriculture in the UK. We will continue to carry out appropriate and timely assessments of our interventions to inform policy development.
wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_71
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_71

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he has taken with Cabinet colleagues to support farmers' mental health. \p Daniel Zeichner: At the budget we committed £5 billion to farming over the next two years which will see the biggest ever budget for sustainable food production and nature recovery in our country’s history. We also committed £60 million through the Farming Recovery Fund to support farmers affected by unprecedented extreme wet weather last winter.

More specifically, Defra has set up a dedicated team to look at the particular set of issues driving poor mental health outcomes in the farming and agricultural sector. We will be working in consultation with communities, farming support organisations and experts across the Government to review how we can best support those experiencing poor mental health.

Furthermore, the Government is building a national network of Young Futures hubs, which will be present in every community and will deliver support for young people facing mental health challenges.

Finally, the Government is giving mental health the same attention and focus as physical health through measures such as employing 8,500 new mental health support workers. This will reduce delays and provide faster treatment closer to people’s homes.
wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_72
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_72

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to reduce fly-tipping in Mid Leicestershire constituency. \p Mary Creagh: Local authorities are often best placed to respond to fly-tipping. They have a range of enforcement powers which we encourage them to make good use of.

In our manifesto we committed to forcing fly-tippers and vandals to clean up the mess that they have created as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour. We will provide further details on this commitment in due course.

In the meantime, Defra will continue to chair the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group through which we work with a wide range of stakeholders, such as local authorities, to promote good practice on tackling fly-tipping. Various practical tools, including ‘how to’ guides covering key issues, are also available from their webpage at: https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/national-fly-tipping-prevention-group.
wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_73
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_73

Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential (a) merits of the mandatory displaying of waste licence numbers on advertisements for waste disposal and (b) impact of doing so on the level of illegal disposal of waste. \p Mary Creagh: The current waste carriers, brokers and dealers regulatory regime is not fit for purpose, so I have asked officials to look at how we strengthen that regime to crack down on waste criminals. This includes consideration of the mandatory display of waste licence numbers on advertising. A full impact assessment would be conducted ahead of any legislative reform.
wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_74
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_74

Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of criminal sanctions for fly tipping. \p Mary Creagh: We have committed to forcing fly-tippers and vandals to clean up the mess they have created. This will build on the sanctions already available which include fixed penalty notices of up to £1000, seizing of vehicles and prosecution which can lead to a significant fine, a community sentence or even imprisonment. Sentencing is a matter for the independent courts. We do not intend to carry out any further assessment of criminal sanctions for fly tipping.

We encourage councils to make good use of their enforcement powers, and we are considering if further guidance is needed.
wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_75
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_75

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the reasons behind the increase in food bank usage, as reported in the Family Resources Survey 2022-23. \p Alison McGovern: This Government is committed to addressing poverty and reducing mass dependence on emergency food parcels, which is why we published official estimates of foodbank use.

We know that good work can significantly reduce the chances of people falling into poverty, so this will be the foundation of our approach. Backed by £240 million investment, the Get Britain Working White Paper launched on 26 November, will target and tackle economic inactivity and unemployment and join up employment, health and skills support to meet the needs of local communities.
wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_76
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-17 conversation_76

Jo Platt:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she plans to take to support people with neurodiverse conditions into the workplace. \p Alison McGovern: We recognise that neurodivergent people face particular barriers to employment, which is reflected in a poor overall employment rate. In our plan to Make Work Pay, we committed to raising awareness of neurodiversity in the workplace and across wider society.

Our specialist initiatives to support neurodivergent people and other disabled people into work include support from Work Coaches and Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentres and Access to Work grants. £12.3 million has also been invested into 23 lead Local Authority areas to provide support to autistic people and people with learning disabilities, under the Local Supported Employment Programme.

Under the Government’s new Get Britain Working Strategy, the forthcoming voluntary, locally led Supported Employment programme ‘Connect to Work’ will support disabled people, those with health conditions and other complex barriers including neurodivergent people, to get into and on in work.

Employers have a key role to play in inclusion for neurodiverse people. Our support to employers includes the online Support with Employee Health and Disability service, to support employers managing health and disability in the workplace. This includes questions of disclosure and equipping employers to feel confident having conversations about health and disability. The Disability Confident scheme also signposts employers to expert resources which support the employment of disabled people.

We have recently launched an independent panel of academics with expertise in neurodiversity to advise ministers and employers on neurodiversity and inclusion at work.