theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_81
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_81

Caroline Voaden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help reduce the impact of increased water bills on pensioners. \p Emma Hardy: For too long, investment has not kept pace with the challenges of an ageing infrastructure system, a rapidly growing population and climate change. Whilst it is never wanted, bills will therefore now need to rise to invest in our crumbling infrastructure and deliver cleaner waterways. This will deliver substantial, lasting, improvements for customers and the environment through a £104 billion upgrade for the water sector.

This Government expects water companies to put robust support in place for customers that are struggling to pay their bills – including for pensioners. These include bill discount schemes such as WaterSure and Social Tariffs as well as financial support measures to assist households to better manage their budgets and provide flexible payments including payment holidays, payment matching, benefit entitlement checks and money/debt advice referral arrangements.

This Government expects industry to keep the current support schemes under review to ensure that vulnerable customers across the country are supported, including having regard to the interests of individuals of pensionable age. Bills must remain affordable, and customers cannot be expected to pay the price for years of underperformance in the past.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_82
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_82

Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator supports (a) profitability and (b) resilience in the (i) food and (ii) farming sector. \p Daniel Zeichner:
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_83
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_83

Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to clear up water ways in the West Midlands. \p Emma Hardy: Navigation authorities are responsible for keeping their waterways clear of obstacles, rubbish, aquatic plant overgrowths, and any other impediments to ensure safety of navigation for users. They also work closely with the relevant authorities in responding to pollution incidents; an example of this was the Canal and River Trust working with the Environment Agency and others to deal with a serious pollution incident in the Walsall Canal in August 2024.

More widely in the West Midlands in 2024/25 the Environment Agency’s Water Industry National Environment Programme included over 160 actions aimed at improving sewage treatment works and storm overflow discharges to improve water quality and over 100 actions aiming to prevent deterioration of water quality. There is also a continued focus on the impact of agriculture on our rivers, with more than 400 farm inspections conducted by the Environment Agency across the West Midlands in 2024/25.

In 2024/25, £1.9m of Water Environment Improvement Fund money was invested in the West Midlands. Through partnerships, 29 projects were delivered improving or enhancing 15km of watercourse and more than 110 hectares. These projects covered rural land management, urban communities, and habitats and priority species including Atlantic Salmon, Trout, and White-Clawed Crayfish.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_84
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_84

Shivani Raja:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when his Department plans to publish the findings of his Department's consultation entitled Consultation on fairer food labelling, which closed on 7 May 2024; and what his planned timetable is for introducing mandatory labelling to support (a) informed consumer choice and (b) higher animal welfare standards. \p Daniel Zeichner: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central, Gareth Snell on 23 December 2024, PQ UIN 20692.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_85
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_85

Noah Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of ensuring that access to the six to nautical nautical mile zone is preserved for British fishing vessels; and what assessment he has made of the  potential impact of foreign vessel access to that zone on local fishing communities. \p Daniel Zeichner: We are committed to the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the UK fleet and work closely with the fishing industry and coastal communities to understand their concerns and the impacts of current fishing arrangements under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

Under the TCA the UK grants access to 154 EU registered vessels to fish in the 6-12 nautical mile zone for England and Wales. A list of EU vessels with access to the UK 6-12 nautical mile zone is published by the UK Single Issuing Authority (UKSIA).
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_86
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_86

Sir Desmond Swayne:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to replace the higher level stewardship provision to commoners in the New Forest. \p Daniel Zeichner: We want to provide these Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement holders with some certainty and continuity until they can move into the new ELM offer and to provide support so they can continue delivering environmental outcomes on their land. We will provide more information on timelines for rolling out the new CSHT and the reformed SFI offer in due course.

Farmers with an HLS agreement that expired in 2024 were offered a two-year extension to their agreement. This will allow farmers to continue delivering land management practices in HLS agreements without interruption to the funding they receive.

Defra also announced that on the 24 February 2025, that agreement holders under the Environmental Stewardship Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) will see an increase to their payment rates in the near future.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_87
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_87

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of state ownership of water infrastructure assets in the South West. \p Emma Hardy: The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, will recommend reforms to reset the water sector regulatory system and is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. It is considering a wide range of areas, including different water company ownership models, as set out in the Commission’s Call for Evidence. The Commission is expected to publish its recommendations later in the summer.

The Commission is also looking at the broader strategic planning framework in England and Wales to support more integrated planning and coordination between different sectors. On regional governance, the Commission is considering options for an authority working at a national, regional or catchment level to support better and more coordinated planning on water.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_88
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_88

Sir Desmond Swayne:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what information the Environment Agency has received from the Oceanographic School at Southampton University on hightide levels at Lymington harbour. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) has used a range of information from the Channel Coastal Observatory (CCO) based at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, the majority of this information is freely available from the CCO website (https://coastalmonitoring.org/southeast/).

The information received includes water levels, tide gauge, wind and wave data, as well as land and sea-bed profiles and aerial photography.

The information from two historic storm events has also been received which provides details about the most powerful waves experienced in the area. Past events do not necessarily represent the upper limits of what may occur in the future. Therefore, the EA has also received further analysis from the CCO that adjusts historic events to show what storms of greater severity may be like in the future.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_89
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_89

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make a comparative assessment of the number of houses at risk of (a) surface water and (b) all other flooding in (i) the UK and (ii) the G7 in the last 10 years. \p Emma Hardy: Flood risk management is a devolved matter. In England, the Environment Agency’s latest National Flood Risk Assessment published in 2024 estimates that around 6.3 million properties are in areas at risk of flooding from one or a combination of sources: rivers, the sea, and surface water. Around 4.6 million properties are in areas at risk of surface water flooding, of which 1.1 million properties are in areas at high risk. Around 2.4 million properties are in areas at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea, of which 367,900 properties are in areas at high risk. Some properties are at risk from more than one source of floods.

The data from the latest National Flood Risk Assessment is not directly comparable with previous assessments due to changes in modelling methodologies.

There are different approaches in defining and managing flood risk, and in recording residential and non-residential developments between nations.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_90
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_90

Robbie Moore:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of UK's preparedness for drought conditions in summer 2025; and what steps the Government is taking to ensure water supply resilience mitigate the (a) environmental and (b) economic impact of prolonged dry weather. \p Emma Hardy: Defra works closely with the Cabinet Office who join the National Drought Group meetings to coordinate the strategic management of drought. The National Drought Group is comprised of senior members of Government, the Environment Agency, and relevant stakeholders including water companies.

Minister Hardy attended the National Drought Group, chaired by the Environment Agency, held on 7 May, to discuss water resources levels, assess any impacts and to ensure actions are being taken to secure water supplies, should the recent dry weather continue.

The Government is committed to a twin track approach to improving water resilience. This involves action to improve water efficiency and reduce water company leaks alongside investing in new supply infrastructure, including new reservoirs and water transfers.

Improved investment is allowing water companies to improve drought resilience, ensuring a high level of resilience.

Water company drought plans align with their long-term Water Resources Management Plans. Drought plans must be maintained and revised by water companies every five years. A drought plan is a tactical plan that shows how a secure water supply is maintained, while minimising impacts on the environment during dry weather and drought. We expect water companies to follow their drought plans, acting early to ensure there are sufficient water supplies.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_91
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_91

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 7 May 2025 to Question 49171 on Coastal Erosion: Hemsby, if he will meet the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth to discuss the shoreline management for Hemsby. \p Emma Hardy: I met the hon. Member on 12 September to discuss coastal erosion in his constituency. I will ensure that the hon. Member has a meeting with relevant officials.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_92
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_92

Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help (a) reduce microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems and (b) support local authorities to (i) monitor and (ii) manage microplastic waste. \p Emma Hardy: At home and abroad, the UK is taking action to develop our understanding of the microplastic problem and to prevent and reduce microplastic pollution. Microplastics are used in a range of applications and are produced from the degradation of plastic products.

Plastic pellets are the feedstock for the production of plastic products, and can be lost throughout the supply chain. To tackle this issue, we have supported the development of a Publicly Available Specification by the British Standards Institution (PAS 510:2021), which sets out the steps companies should take to reduce the loss of plastic pellets across their operations.

Technical experts from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) have also been leading the Oslo and Paris Convention (OSPAR) Convention to develop a new indicator for microlitter (including microplastics) in seafloor sediments. This will help us to track progress in reducing plastics in the environment at a regional scale. The UK also contributes to the OSPAR Microplastic Expert Group, which is examining ways that we can better detect and quantify microplastics in samples taken for research.

Finally, in negotiations to establish a new international treaty on plastic pollution, the UK has called for binding provisions to reduce and prevent microplastic pollution from all sources. In particular, the UK has called for specific provisions to prevent and eliminate emissions and releases of plastic pellets, flakes and powder across the whole supply chain.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_93
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_93

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 44471 on Civil Service: Survey, if he will publish the Civil Service People Survey 2024 headline results for the No.10 business unit. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra does not hold this data. I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 30 April 2025 to PQ 46750.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_94
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_94

Richard Tice:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many confirmed Avian Influenza outbreaks there have been in Boston and Skegness constituency, by site size; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the (a) availability and (b) location of Avian Influenza testing in that area; what the (i) volume and (ii) origin of imported poultry and hatching eggs entering local markets is; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that restrictions are (A) proportionate and (B) fairly applied to small-scale producers and vendors in Boston and Skegness constituency. \p Daniel Zeichner: During the current outbreak there has been one outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the Boston and Skegness constituency in a commercial duck rearing enterprise near Skegness, East Lindsay, Lincolnshire and was confirmed on the 28 January 2025.

All diagnostic testing undertaken by HM Government for avian influenza is conducted at the avian influenza National Reference Laboratory (NRL) at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Weybridge laboratory using United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) validated tests. Testing is in line with World Animal Health Organisation (WOAH) standards as set out for Avian Influenza in the WOAH Terrestrial Manual. Defra have published further information on Avian influenza and influenza of avian origin diagnostic testing, controls and reporting obligations on gov.uk.

Defra does not hold data on the volume and origin of imported poultry and hatching eggs entering local markets.

To ensure controls are proportionate to the risk bird keepers face, Defra’s approach to avian influenza considers the latest scientific and ornithological evidence and veterinary advice. Current policy reflects our experience of responding to past outbreaks of exotic animal disease and is in line with international standards of best practice for disease control.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_95
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_95

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the definition of honey included in the 2015 Honey England Regulations. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Honey (England) Regulations 2015 lay down detailed specifications for honey in terms of its composition and quality criteria. One of the aims of these is to protect the use of the reserved description “honey” by setting a minimum expected compositional standard for our market, in order to protect consumers, instil consumer confidence that the honey is what it says it is, create a level playing field for industry, and prevent misleading and fraudulent practices on our market.

Defra periodically reviews food compositional standards legislation to ensure regulations remain fit for purpose. A post-implementation review of the Honey (England) Regulations 2015 in 2021 found that the policy objectives stated in the regulations have been fully realised.

As a result of the review, the definition of honey as a reserved description, the description of different types of honey, and the listing of its minimum compositional standards have remained in place.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_96
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_96

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to encourage supermarkets to stock more locally, homegrown fruit and vegetables. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra officials regularly engage with stakeholders across the food supply chain to understand their work to promote British produce in-store and online. We strongly support efforts to promote British food and back our farmers, who produce some of the best food in the world. This is why the food strategy will set the food system up for long-term success and ensure that our food system can feed the nation, realise its potential for economic growth, protect the planet, and nourish individuals, now and in the future.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_97
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_97

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help protect beaches between the mouth of the River Exe and mouth of the River Dart. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) has recruited two new Water Industry Regulation teams who are increasing regulation of water company sites in Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, undertaking more compliance checks (including unannounced inspections), translating storm overflow monitoring data into regulatory intelligence, and increasing enforcement actions for pollution incidents under the Enforcement and Sanctions policy. Inspection locations are prioritised according to environmental sensitivity, such as sites impacting bathing waters, and where EDM data is showing spills are higher than they should be. The Environment Agency increased inspections in 2024-25 and will more than double these in 2025-2026. This includes water company assets in Newton Abbot constituency. It will also attend more incidents.

The EA has also increased the number of farm inspections they are able to deliver and are helping to support the transition to a more sustainable and healthy farming industry. In Devon and Cornwall, dedicated farm inspection officers are currently inspecting farms and undertaking enforcement action in the highest priority catchments including the River Otter and Exe.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_98
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_98

Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with (a) water companies and (b) local authorities on building new reservoirs to ensure water security. \p Emma Hardy: Ministers and officials have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders, including water companies and local authorities, on many issues related to the water sector.

Water companies have a statutory duty to provide a secure supply of water for customers set out in their Water Resource Management Plans (WRMPs). These plans are statutory and will set out how each company will continue to meet this duty and manage water supply and demand, including system leakages for at least the next 25 years. Within their plans, water companies must consider all options, including demand management and new water resources including reservoirs water transfers. They must also consult on their plans, including with local authorities.

The most recent WRMPs contain proposals for delivery of multiple new schemes by 2050, including 9 new reservoirs. Water companies continue to develop their reservoir proposals with relevant stakeholders including local authorities to ensure long-term water security.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_99
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_99

Alex Brewer:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to (a) support small and medium abattoirs and (b) prevent closures. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra recognises the vital role small and medium sized abattoirs play in supporting local livestock producers and maintaining a resilient, competitive food supply chain.

Defra works closely with the industry including through the Small Abattoirs Working Group and the Small Abattoirs Task and Finish Group. These groups provide a forum for identifying the challenges and opportunities that the sector faces, and for collaborating on practical solutions to support the sustainability of small and medium sized abattoirs.

It is recognised that there are many different and varied reasons why abattoirs close. While the Government does not intervene in individual business decisions, it is committed to working with the sector to help, where possible, mitigate pressures that abattoirs face.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_100
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_100

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many species of plant that previously could not be traded between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have been made available following discussions with the EU on horticultural issues in the last six months. \p Daniel Zeichner: The prohibition has been lifted on 20 key species of plants since EU Exit. The full list for the last 6 months is: four different kinds of cherry (Prunus avium, Prunus canescens, Prunus cerasus, and Prunus pseudocerasus), silver birch (Betula pendula), downy birch (Betula pubescens), and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa).

We continue to work closely with the horticultural sector, including through a Horticulture Working Group which meets regularly, in order to maximise opportunities for trade in plants and plant products within the United Kingdom. We are in active dialogue with the EU Commission on a number of other species which industry has prioritised.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_101
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_101

Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate his Department has made of the prevalence of microplastics in UK drinking water sources; and what steps he has taken to (a) regulate and (b) reduce microplastic pollution in the water supply chain. \p Emma Hardy: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 24 April to Question UIN 45139.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_102
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_102

Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department plans to take to support the growth of the Dartmoor pony population. \p Daniel Zeichner: To help enable growth, Defra supports the conservation of livestock and equines, including the Dartmoor Pony, by monitoring populations of native breeds, with data published in the annual UK National Breed inventory. Defra also protects eligible native breeds at risk from culling during notifiable disease outbreaks. Defra can utilise the Zootechnical animal breeding legislation to support the recognised breed society to meet the aim of their approved breeding programme.

Actions will be available in Countryside Stewardship for grazing with both cattle and ponies. The Dartmoor Pony is listed on the Native Breeds at Risk list so are eligible for payments under the native breeds supplements. Defra have also made it clear within the new offer that ponies are exempt from stock removal requirements, in recognition that removal of ponies from moorland is neither feasible nor desirable in most circumstances.

For those with existing Sustainable Farming Incentive agreements and those currently working with Natural England on new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier applications, the new moorland offer will be subject to monitoring and evaluation, particularly in the first year. Any change in the pony population during this time will be investigated and further mitigations will be explored if necessary.

At present Defra are focussed on developing a new and improved SFI offer, more information will be available in due course.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_103
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_103

Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what funding his Department is providing to farmers of broiler hens to (a) replace and upgrade housing to help improve animal health and welfare and (b) help improve the control of pollutive emissions. \p Daniel Zeichner: There is currently no funding available for replacing broiler housing. However, on 29 May 2025, eligible broiler farmers will be able to apply for grants of between £1,000 and £25,000, through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, towards the cost of a list of items to make improvements to existing housing. Listed grant items address a range of health and welfare issues including ventilation, enrichment, and biosecurity.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_104
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_104

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to improve water quality at beaches in North Cornwall constituency. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) has recruited two new Water Industry Regulation teams who are increasing regulation of water company sites in Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, undertaking more compliance checks (including unannounced inspections), translating storm overflow monitoring data into regulatory intelligence, and increasing enforcement actions for pollution incidents under the Enforcement and Sanctions policy. Inspection locations are prioritised according to environmental sensitivity, such as sites impacting bathing waters, and where EDM data is showing spills are higher than they should be. The EA increased inspections in 2024-25 and will more than double these in 2025-2026. This includes water company assets in North Cornwall constituency. It will also attend more incidents.

The EA has numerous charges relating to sewage discharges onto Cornish beaches waiting to come to court. Th EA’s duty is to hold those suspected of harming the environment to account so it will proceed with legal action.

The EA has also increased the number of farm inspections they are able to deliver. In Devon and Cornwall, dedicated farm inspection officers are currently inspecting farms and undertaking enforcement action in the highest priority catchments, including the Camel.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_105
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_105

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many of the 3,000 farming businesses that started but did not submit applications to the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2024 scheme after 12 January 2025 are based in Buckinghamshire. \p Daniel Zeichner: There are 34 farming businesses in Buckinghamshire that started but did not submit an application to the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2024 scheme after 12 January 2025.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_106
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_106

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 43782 on Fisheries: South Atlantic Ocean, what the outcome was of his Department's consultations on the UN General Assembly Resolution on Sustainable Fisheries. \p Daniel Zeichner: Relevant fisheries data are essential to inform assessment of stock health and sustainable management for fish stocks in the South West Atlantic. As set out in my response to previous PQs 43782, 43781, and 46104, Defra officials continue to raise the issue of data and management gaps in relevant international multi-lateral fisheries fora. Defra officials also work closely with the Falkland Islands Government to address these challenges.

At the FAO Subcommittee on Fisheries Management, new text was secured highlighting data and information gaps in high seas fisheries outside the competence of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, and encouraging FAO members to collaborate to develop appropriate arrangements and management for these areas- see paragraphs 19 and 20 of the published report.

These issues were also raised during the UNGA Sustainable Fisheries Resolution negotiations, where additional text was secured relating to the importance of filling these “relevant data gaps”- see paragraph 32 of the published report.

Defra officials attending the Informal Consultations of the State Parties to the UN Fish Stocks Agreement at United Nations on the 14th May also raised the issue of gaps in RFMO coverage. The UK’s written contribution to this meeting is available here.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_107
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_107

Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to align the UK with EU regulatory protections for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in his revised Environmental Improvement Plan. \p Emma Hardy: The revised EIP, which will be published later this year, will set out action the government is taking to address environment risks from chemicals, including PFAS.

We have reset our relations with our European partners, and we now need to use our strengthened relations to deliver a long-term UK-EU strategic partnership. However, it is too early to comment on the outcome of discussions linked to the UK/EU Summit that takes place on 19 May.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_108
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_108

Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support he is providing to the horticulture sector to encourage young people into its workforce. \p Daniel Zeichner: Attracting bright new talent into land-based careers and having a skilled workforce in place is vital for the future of UK food and farming.

Defra works closely with The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) which is encouraging young people and new entrants into farming in its capacity as an industry -led professional body for the farming and horticulture industry. This includes leading a cross-industry initiative to address common negative misconceptions about the sector and providing free TIAH membership for students.

Furthermore, the Government has launched Skills England to ensure there is a comprehensive suite of apprenticeships, training, and technical qualifications for individuals and employers to access, which are aligned with skills gaps and what employers need. It will work with its partners to ensure that regional and national skills needs are met.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_109
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_109

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 May 2025 to Question 48443 on Water Charges, whether the introduction of (a) progressive and (b) seasonal water metering tariffs would require Government (i) support and (ii) consent. \p Emma Hardy: This Government supports the innovative approaches being taken to trial new charges aiming to make bills fairer and more affordable. All companies plan to trial new charging structures by 2030 and some of them plan to introduce them more widely for additional customers if the trials are successful.

Companies can design their charges to provide benefits and incentives in a range of ways. As the water regulator, Ofwat regulates the charging trials by issuing rules that require companies to set fair charges for all customers, and to ensure all trials are consistent with good practice principles.

Information on Ministerial meetings are published quarterly on GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_110
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_110

Sir Alec Shelbrooke:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what is the minimum notice period his Department must give to end agreements under the current terms of the Sustainable Farming Initiative. \p Daniel Zeichner: Termination of agreements is covered by condition 15 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2024 terms and conditions. In some specific circumstances, agreements can be terminated by the department with immediate effect, for example if a change of circumstances means an agreement holder is no longer eligible, or if there has been a breach of the agreement. Beyond these specific circumstances, we may terminate an agreement at any time on giving at least six months’ written notice to the agreement holder.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_111
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_111

Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the risk of harm to marine mammals from (a) discarded and (b) lost (i) ropes, (ii) fishing lines, (iii) nets and (iv) other fishing equipment. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government is committed to taking action to tackle Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) to reduce the risk to all marine life, including marine mammals.

We are working domestically to tackle plastic pollution from fishing and aquaculture gear across the full lifecycle and therefore reduce the risks to wildlife. We supported the development of a circular gear design standard under the European standards body, and are working with the administrations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales and industry, to develop UK-wide solutions for the collection and recycling of end-of-life gear.

This is a transboundary issue and global action is needed. Internationally, the UK has called for plastic pollution treaty under negotiation to include specific provisions to address harmful forms of plastic pollution, including fishing and aquaculture gear. We believe that measures need to address the full lifecycle of gear, from design to end-of-life management.

We are also working with other countries at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to strengthen the requirements under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) on the marking of fishing gear and the reporting of fishing gear losses.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_112
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_112

Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2024 to Question 15607 on Water: Standards and with reference to Henley Swim's announcement entitled Henley Swim stops trading, published on 2 May 2025, what steps he has taken on reopening applications for new bathing water designations. \p Emma Hardy: This Government supports the innovative approaches being taken to trial new charges aiming to make bills fairer and more affordable. All companies plan to trial new charging structures by 2030 and some of them plan to introduce them more widely for additional customers if the trials are successful.

Companies can design their charges to provide benefits and incentives in a range of ways. As the water regulator, Ofwat regulates the charging trials by issuing rules that require companies to set fair charges for all customers, and to ensure all trials are consistent with good practice principles.

Information on Ministerial meetings are published quarterly on GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_113
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_113

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to protect the domestic beet sugar industry from (a) tariff and (b) non-tariff barriers. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government has made clear commitments to uphold our standards in trade deals and protect our sensitive sectors. The recently agreed trade agreement with India will fully exclude sugar from the UK's tariff reductions. We will continue to do what is right for the UK sugar sector in our trade policy.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_114
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_114

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to encourage food suppliers to use locally sourced food products. \p Daniel Zeichner: Our food strategy will bring together the outcomes we want from the food system to help Government and the food industry work towards shared goals and priorities. The Government will be considering the role of place-based initiatives as the food strategy is developed. Together, we can deliver a system we can be even more proud of, that protects British traditions and drives generational change in our relationship with food. For the first time in our history, the Government will also monitor where public sector food comes from so we can better understand our opportunities. We’re reforming procurement rules to make it easier for British producers to bid for a share of the £5 billion spent annually on public sector catering, given the new national procurement policy statement favours high-quality products that we believe British producers are well-placed to supply.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_115
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_115

Katie Lam:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2025 to Question 35595 on Agriculture: Subsidies, how many producer organisations have written to him to express concern over the discontinuation of the Fruit and Vegetables Aid Scheme on 31 December 2025. \p Daniel Zeichner: Since January 2025 there have been 16 pieces of correspondence addressed to Defra ministers by producer organisations, expressing their concern over the discontinuation of the Fruit and Vegetables Aid Scheme on 31 December 2025.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_116
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_116

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support the chick population. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra publishes monthly statistics on the activity of UK hatcheries.

The UK chick sector is highly resilient, with production remaining stable over the last five years. The latest published figures for the first quarter of 2025, show that total hatchery placings for commercial broilers, layer hens, and turkeys increased by approximately 3.5%, equivalent to 10.2 million additional chicks, compared to the same period in 2024.

The Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare Grant was recently offered to commercial laying hen and pullet keepers in England. It supports these farmers to improve the health, welfare, and productivity of their flocks through access to £22.6 million in grants towards the cost of upgrading their housing. Applications closed on 18 September 2024, and all applicants have been contacted to notify them of next steps.

In addition, we recently announced farmers across England will be able to apply for grants worth up to £25,000 to invest in machinery that boosts farm productivity, helps manage slurry, or for improving animal health and welfare. Eligible broiler and layer hen chick producers can apply for this new round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund from 29 May 2025.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_117
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_117

Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his Department's timetable is for announcing future funding arrangements for the Stewardship Scheme. \p Daniel Zeichner: We will open our improved Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) later this year. We have started inviting farmers and land managers to begin the pre-application process and have published information that sets out what farmers and land managers can do now to help prepare to apply. CSHT will initially roll out in a controlled way by invitation, so everyone gets the right level of support.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_118
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_118

Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the policy paper entitled Safeguarding the Union, published on 31 January 2024, what progress his Department has made on introducing Not for EU labelling in Great Britain. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government will introduce legislation shortly to provide a contingent power to introduce a ‘Not for EU’ labelling requirement across Great Britain, should it be needed to protect the UK Internal Market and consumer choice in Northern Ireland. This legislation will give the Government the power to introduce a labelling requirement in Great Britain in a targeted way, product by product and we will take action if necessary. Officials are working closely with businesses across the United Kingdom to support them with readiness for 1 July, when the next phase of labelling will be introduced.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_119
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_119

Sir Julian Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons on complaints that fall below the RCVS definition of serious professional misconduct. \p Daniel Zeichner: The disciplinary role of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is to investigate complaints thoroughly, determine whether or not serious professional misconduct has been committed, and then take appropriate action.

Defra are currently working with key stakeholders, including the RCVS, to review opportunities for potential reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, including the handling of disciplinary matters.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_120
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_120

Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to his Department's press release entitled Government to end badger cull with new TB eradication strategy, published on 30 August 2024, what progress he has made on the TB eradication plan; and when it will be published. \p Daniel Zeichner: We have started work on a comprehensive new bovine TB (bTB) eradication strategy to drive down bTB rates in cattle, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and to end the badger cull by the end of this parliament.

To ensure it benefits from the latest evidence, we have reconvened a panel of experts, led by Professor Sir Charles Godfray, to independently consider independently any substantive new evidence that builds on the 2018 strategy review. The panel expects to report its findings back to Defra from late June 2025.

The strategy is being co-designed with farmers, vets, scientists, and conservationists. It will consider a range of measures including boosting cattle testing, reducing the spread of disease through cattle movements, and deploying badger vaccination on a wider, landscape scale.

The existing Bovine TB Partnership for England has been re-structured to form a Steering Group that is overseeing the co-design of the strategy, and topic specific Working Groups who will develop recommendations for the Steering Group. The Steering Group are aiming to develop a draft strategy for Ministers to consider by spring 2026.
wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_121
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-21 conversation_121

Ian Byrne:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April to Question 20692 on food labelling, what his timescale is for a decision on (a) next steps and (b) responding to the consultation. \p Daniel Zeichner: A public consultation on fairer food labelling was undertaken last year by the previous Government.

We are now carefully considering all responses to the consultation before deciding on next steps. We recognise that this is an important matter and will respond to this consultation as soon as we are able to.