theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1020
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1020

Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an estimate of the number of agricultural businesses that have been affected by the suspension of the Sustainable Farming Incentive in (a) West Sussex, (b) East Sussex and (c) Brighton and Hove. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Following the closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Scheme, the Rural Payments Agency re-opened the SFI 2024 offer to eligible farmers who had started but not submitted an application as at 11 March 2025, and those who were eligible under one of three exception groups.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Jess Brown-Fuller:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to improve data processing at the Marine Management Organisation. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is working with Defra and the Government data community to improve the overall data management and governance of all data it holds. This work is guided by the Data Maturity Assessment for Government Framework and underpins the efficiency and quality of data processing by the MMO.

More specifically, MMO is currently reviewing its Fisheries data and IT estate, and defining a longer-term strategic vision in order to drive investment in improving services for our customers, and the underpinning data quality which is vital in order to manage fisheries sustainably.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1022
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Jess Brown-Fuller:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if the Government will consider appointing a cross-departmental Minister for Rural Communities. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra has responsibility for rural communities and leads on rural proofing, but individual departments are responsible for ensuring that their policy decision-making is rural proofed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the robustness of rural proofing in Government policy. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Government has made a commitment that all policy decision-making should be rural proofed, ensuring that rural areas are not overlooked and that the intended outcomes are deliverable in rural areas. Defra leads on rural proofing, but individual departments are responsible for ensuring that their policy decision-making is seen through this lens.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1024
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when her Department plans to publish the results of the call for evidence on the fur market in Great Britain, which closed on 28 June 2021. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The call for evidence on the Fur Market in Great Britain was undertaken by the previous Government. A summary of responses will be published in due course.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1025
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Jess Brown-Fuller:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she plans to confirm the number of Seasonal Worker visas that will be available for picking and packing fruit and vegetables in 2026. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Government recognises that its vital farms have the labour they need to harvest their great British produce and grow their businesses. We’ve announced a 5-year extension to the seasonal worker visa route to provide stability and certainty to the horticulture sector and will set out the allocation for 2026 shortly.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1026
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 July 2025 to Question 65430 on Import Controls, whether the border control posts at Belfast, Larne, Foyle and Warrenpoint are now fully operational. \p Dame Angela Eagle: I can confirm that the new SPS inspection facilities at Foyle, Warrenpoint, Belfast and Larne are all operational.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1027
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department is taking steps to concentrate the responsibility for tackling illegal meat imports into fewer bodies. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Border Force is responsible for enforcing the Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulations 2011 in England in relation to animal products in any place, other than Border Control Posts, where goods are subject to customs supervision. Defra is considering the recommendations in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s report on meat smuggling.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1028
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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John Milne:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much and what proportion of her Department's agricultural budget for the 2026-27 financial year will be spent on existing multi-year agri-environment agreements. \p Dame Angela Eagle: We are investing £2.7 billion a year into sustainable food production and nature's recovery. Overall, farmers and land managers will benefit from an average of £2.3 billion a year through the Farming and Countryside Programme. And up to £400 million from additional nature schemes, including those for tree planting and peatland restorations. Funding for the Environmental Land Management schemes paid to farmers, which includes multi-annual agri-environment agreements, will increase by 150% from £800 billion in 2023/24 to £2 billion by 2028/29.

Defra manages the farming budget flexibly. To respond to demand and achieve our intended outcomes for farm productivity, environment, climate and animal health and welfare.

In line with its obligations under the Agriculture Act 2020, Defra regularly publishes an annual report, setting out commitments in the previous financial year, including FCP spend broken down by each scheme.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1029
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2025 to Question 74136 on Catering: Public Sector, how many public sector organisations currently purchase more than half their food from British producers. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Government is currently assessing what food the public sector buys and where it comes from. This will enable us to determine the extent to which public sector organisations are buying food from British producers, providing a baseline with which to measure progress.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1030
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1030

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to produce a digital tool for travellers to identify what they can bring into Great Britain. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra is considering this recommendation in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s report on meat smuggling.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1031
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1031

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has considered compelling airports to display information communicating (a) the emergency ban on personal imports and (b) biosecurity threats from illegal imports. \p Dame Angela Eagle: International passenger transport operators, including airport operators, have certain responsibilities for drawing their customers’ attention to rules for personal imports. Defra is considering the recommendations in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s report on meat smuggling.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1032
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to establish a taskforce for illegal imports of products of animal origin. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra is considering this recommendation in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s report on meat smuggling.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1033
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1033

John Milne:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with relevant stakeholders on the potential merits of implementing a one-year rollover for agri-environment agreements that are due to expire in 2025. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra are offering a one-year extension to more than 5,000 farmers whose Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier (CS MT) agreements are due to expire on 31 December this year. This targeted, time-limited extension is being offered, whilst we develop the reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive for 2026, and refresh the Environmental Improvement Plan and roll out the new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier. The one-off investment of £70m (from within existing budgets) will allow farmers to continue their vital role in sustainable food production and nature’s recovery. Ministers will now review plans for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), to ensure the available funding is distributed more efficiently and more fairly.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1034
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to establish a permanent personal import policy for goods entering Great Britain from the EU. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra keeps the rules for personal imports of meat and dairy products from the EU under review. Defra is considering the recommendations in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s report on meat smuggling.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1035
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1035

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help increase rates of prosecution for smuggling meat into Great Britain. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Enforcement authorities are responsible for deciding whether to prosecute. Defra is considering the recommendations in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s report on meat smuggling.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1036
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to tackle illegal meat imports through passenger routes. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Border Force is responsible for enforcing the Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulations 2011 in England in relation to animal products in any place, other than Border Control Posts, where goods are subject to customs supervision. Defra is considering the recommendations in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s report on meat smuggling.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1037
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1037

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to estimate the amount of illegal meat that enters Great Britain. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Animal and Plant Health Agency has a project aiming to improve estimates of illegal meat imports. Defra is considering the recommendations in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s report on meat smuggling.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1038
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1038

Adrian Ramsay:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to introduce species-specific slaughter legislation for farmed fish. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Since publication of the Animal Welfare Committee’s updated Opinion on the welfare of farmed fish at the time of killing a GB-wide joint government-industry working group on farmed trout has been examining the issues raised in the report. This co-design work has made good progress on exploring potential options for more detailed welfare at killing requirements. We are now exploring all the potential next steps, including options for creating detailed guidance and new legislation.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1039
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1039

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the cost of bluetongue vaccinations for farmers. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Vaccine pricing is a commercial decision, which is the responsibility of manufacturers, wholesalers and veterinarians. Defra has worked closely with manufacturers to ensure that safe and effective vaccine is available for use in the UK, and to overcome supply challenges.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1040
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1040

Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to increase the uptake of bluetongue vaccinations. \p Dame Angela Eagle: In response to emerging disease, Defra’s Secretary of State permitted the use of 3 bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines within the United Kingdom in September 2024, subject to licence. By working closely with manufacturers, Defra has ensured that safe and effective vaccine is available for use in the UK and helped overcome supply challenges.

Animal keepers are strongly encouraged to discuss vaccination with their vet to determine if it is right for their animals. Defra works closely with stakeholders to explore options and to develop recommendations for livestock vaccination as a preventative measure against BTV-3 in the UK. Defra also supports nationwide information and awareness campaigns such as the industry-led Battle Bluetongue campaign launched in 2025.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1041
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Sir Julian Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the time taken for (a) Sustainable Farming Incentive and (b) productivity grant payments on (i) rural supply chains and (ii) farm investment decisions. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) understand the importance of cashflow for farmers and rural businesses in their investment decisions and any impacts on the wider supply chain. The RPA has in recent years made more payments for the schemes they administer, earlier in the payment window. The RPA has also taken steps to improve the flow of payments. With a quarterly payments structure for the Sustainable Farming Incentive, schemes continue to be administered with payment frequency in mind, and the RPA continues to look at opportunities to issue payments and expedite grant clearance as promptly as possible.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1042
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the resources required to support the new Tenant Farmers Commissioner. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra has assessed the resources required to support the Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector based on other similar industry roles and insights from industry stakeholders on likely demand for the Commissioner’s services. This will be under continuous review to ensure the Commissioner’s services are delivered efficiently and effectively.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1043
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1043

Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support grain producers. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Cereals and oilseeds are internationally traded commodities, and their supply chains are dynamic and responsive to global market developments. These developments may be influenced by the global market disruption, weather conditions, or currency fluctuations.

Support is being provided through the Environmental Land Management schemes, which reward sustainable farming practices and help improve soil health and long-term productivity. These schemes are designed to enhance the resilience and profitability of arable farmers, including those in the cereals sector.

The Department is also investing in innovation and research to help farmers adopt more efficient and sustainable practices, such as precision agriculture and crop breeding. Officials continue to monitor market conditions closely and engage regularly with industry to ensure that policy and support remain responsive to the needs of grain producers.

In addition, the Government’s food strategy sets out a vision for a more sustainable and competitive food system, including trade that supports British standards and expands export opportunities for UK producers.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1044
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in non-badger species in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Dame Angela Eagle: No assessment has been made of the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in non-badger species in Surrey Heath constituency specifically, but the latest ‘Year End Descriptive Epidemiology Report’ from APHA for calendar year 2024, which covers the South East of England (South East of England (Low Risk Area) year end report 2024) states that there were no incidents of TB reported in non-bovine species in 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to measure the effectiveness of the Tenant Farmers Commissioner’s work. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Commissioner for the Tenant farming sector will report to the joint Defra and industry Farm Tenancy Forum on delivery of the Commissioner’s services, including on insights from engagement with the sector and the number and type of informal and formal complaints the Commissioner has received (unattributed and redacted). This will enable ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of and demand for the Commissioners services.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1046
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to safeguard the mental health of farmers in Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Government has invested in mental health to ensure it receives the same attention as physical health. This includes the hiring of 8,500 new mental health support workers, which will reduce delays and provide faster treatment closer to people’s homes – including in rural communities.

Since May 2024, Defra has provided £500k through the Farmer Welfare Grant to support farming welfare organisations in delivering projects that safeguard farmers’ mental health. One recipient, the Farming Community Network, is using the funding to expand its FarmWell platform, an online resource offering advice on mental health, isolation, depression and suicide, which can be accessed by anyone at any time including your constituents in Ely and Cambridgeshire. Subject to budget prioritisation, Defra aims to continue and expand this support.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1047
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the badger cull in reducing bovine tuberculosis transmission in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Dame Angela Eagle: No assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the badger cull in reducing bovine tuberculosis transmission in Surrey Heath constituency given that badger culling has not taken place within the county of Surrey.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1048

Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps with industry to reduce prices for alcohol-free beer to improve public health. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra regularly engages with supermarkets and producers on a range of food and drink supply matters. However, it is not for HM Government to set retail food and drink prices nor to comment on day-to-day commercial decisions taken by businesses.

In the ‘Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England’, the Government has committed to tackling harmful alcohol consumption through promotion of no- and low-alcohol alternatives. This includes exploration of raising the alcohol-free descriptor to 0.5%, aligning with international standards to support growth of the sector.

Alongside the plan, a large multi-year National Institute for Health and Care Research study is underway to examine the public health impacts of NoLo products, with findings of the study expected in the coming year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of food labelling on citrus fruits. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Requirements for quality and labelling of fresh fruit and vegetables are set out in statutory Fruit and Vegetable Marketing Standards. These include a Specific Marketing Standard for Citrus Fruit. More information is available at the link below.

Fresh fruit and vegetable marketing standards - GOV.UK

Additionally, all food, including that which is imported, must comply with food labelling rules. The fundamental principle of these rules is that information provided to the consumer must not mislead, must enable the safe use of food, and provide consumers with all the information they need to make informed choices about the food that they consume.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1050
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Carolyn Harris:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate her Department has made of the value of gin produced in Wales to the economy. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The UK has a vibrant and successful Gin industry, with exports in excess of £530 million in 2024. The department has not made a formal estimate of the value of gin produced in Wales, but industry reports that the number of active gin distilleries in Wales has grown rapidly from 5 distilleries in 2017 to over 30 in 2024. Office for National Statistics data published in 2024 also shows that distilling supports over 250 jobs in Wales.

Earlier this year we were pleased to grant protected status to Dovey Native Botanical Gin, produced in Machynlleth.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Suella Braverman:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to (a) support domestic food production and (b) reduce reliance on imports. \p Dame Angela Eagle: To ensure a consistent supply of food, the UK relies upon a combination of strong domestic production from the UK’s agricultural and food manufacturing sectors, and a diverse range of overseas supply sources. Trade supports UK food supply resilience. This is due to the UK having diverse trade routes, strong international supply and purchasing power.

At home, the Government’s recently published Food Strategy identifies priority outcomes for resilient domestic production for a secure supply of healthier food, and also to create conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investment in innovation and productivity, and fairer more transparent supply chains. We have allocated £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1052
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1052

David Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many applications to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) are responded to within the appropriate time frame; how many complaints have been recorded against the RPA each year for the past five years; and what processes the RPA is putting into place in order to deliver the next generation of the Sustainable Farming Incentive effectively. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Rural Payments Agency RPA) are supporting Defra as they continue to develop the reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive. This includes fully considering deliverability and opportunities to simplify scheme administration.

The RPA administers a wide range of services, including applications for Grants and subsequent payments, applications for cattle documentation to support animal traceability requirements and applications for licences.

Performance is reported each year within the RPA Annual Report and Accounts within the Performance Overview section. This provides the most recent public information across all areas of the Agency’s delivery.

The table below shows the number of complaints received by the RPA over the last 5 years.

Year

Number of Complaints Received*

2020 / 2021

657

2021 / 2022

497

2022 / 2023

440

2023 / 2024

349

2024 / 2025

322

*Between 01/04 and 31/03 of each year.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1053
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Stuart Andrew:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of reductions in poultry biodiversity on the food chain. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The UK has a highly resilient poultry meat supply chain which has coped well in responding to the unprecedented challenges it has faced in the recent years.

Conservation of animal genetic resources including poultry breeds contributes to biodiversity. These resources provide genetic traits which can contribute to a sustainable increase in food productivity and help the agriculture sector adapt to climate change.

Defra receives independent expert advice from the UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines Committee which is used to inform approaches to conservation of native breeds including poultry.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1054
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle the sale of foreign meat labelled as being of British origin. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The fundamental principles of our food labelling rules are that information provided to the consumer must not mislead and must enable consumers to make informed decisions. Food from elsewhere in the world that is simply re-packaged in the UK, without any further processing, does not confer UK origin on it and therefore any suggestion that the food is from the UK would be misleading.

If processed foods, such as bacon or sausages, and composite foods, such as pies and ready meals, list that they are made in the UK but their primary ingredient is from another country then the label must highlight this: for example, a British Steak & Ale pie made, assembled and baked in the UK with beef from Ireland must state ‘Made in the UK using Irish beef’.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance his Department has issued on animal welfare regulations that apply to construction activity taking place on land where horses are kept. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the 2006 Act), it is an offence to cause any animal unnecessary suffering or to fail to provide for its welfare. The 2006 Act is backed up by the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and Their Hybrids which provides guidance on the legal duty of care for horses, as required by the 2006 Act. This guidance applies to any land where horses are kept, including land affected by construction activity.

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018 require businesses hiring out horses to provide for a suitable environment. The guidance is available here - Hiring out horses licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities - GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of grain imports produced to standards lower than those required in the UK on domestic producers. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The UK has a highly resilient food supply chain. For the cereal crops that are produced domestically, the UK has been over 80% self-sufficient for a number of years. Due to environmental and climate conditions the UK milling industry require a certain level of imports of high protein milling wheat year on year to meet consumer demand.

The Department has not undertaken an assessment of the impact of grain imports produced to standards lower than those required for domestic producers. However, we recognise the importance of maintaining high production standards to protect consumer confidence, food safety, and the competitiveness of British farmers.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1057
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of farmers' mental health on the level of agricultural output. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra has not done an assessment, but we recognise that poor mental health can have a damaging effect on farm productivity and are supporting farmer specific access to mental health support services through the Farming Welfare Grant.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1058
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Liz Jarvis:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to review the welfare of racehorses sent to slaughter in abattoirs. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Government has no plans to specifically review the welfare of racehorses sent to slaughter in abattoirs. The British Horseracing Authority introduced a requirement in January 2022 that all domestically trained racehorses must be signed out of the food chain, that is they must not go to slaughter in an abattoir, in order to race in GB.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many stray dogs were taken into shelter by local authorities in the last 12 months. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The information requested is not held centrally.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1060

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of introducing method of production labelling on (a) the economy and (b) farm incomes. \p Dame Angela Eagle: We are considering the potential role of method of production labelling reform as part of the ongoing development of the Government’s wider animal welfare strategy.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1061
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1061

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 September 2025 to Question 75766 on Bottom Trawling: Teignmouth, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of banning bottom trawling in the remaining 60% of the south Devon coast. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority is responsible for assessing the impacts of fishing in its district, taking an evidence-based approach to the introduction of any restrictions, including a ban on bottom trawling, in consultation with stakeholders.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1062
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1062

Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of reduced milling premiums on farmers. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Department has not conducted an assessment of the impact of reduced milling premiums on farmers. However, the Government recognises that fluctuations in quality-based market premiums, including those for milling wheat can affect farm incomes and business resilience.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1063
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1063

Afzal Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of mandatory method-of-production labelling on sales for UK farmers. \p Dame Angela Eagle: We are considering the potential role of method of production labelling reform as part of the ongoing development of the Government’s wider animal welfare strategy.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1064
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1064

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many (a) halal and (b) kosher slaughterhouses have operated in the UK in each year since 2020, by local authority area. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The number of slaughterhouses carrying out slaughter using the halal or shechita methods is not routinely recorded, as no specific approval from the Food Standards Agency is required to use these methods. However, the FSA’s most recent slaughter sector survey showed that in February 2024: for cattle, there were 4 slaughterhouses that used the Shechita method and 4 that used the non-stun halal method; for sheep, there were 5 that used the Shechita method and 12 that used the non-stun halal method; for meat chickens, there were 4 slaughterhouses that used the Shechita method and 10 that used the non-stun halal method. Additionally, some slaughterhouses also utilise the stunned halal method too.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1065
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1065

Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that the land use framework will support sustainable food production on farms. \p Mary Creagh: The Land Use Consultation launched this year was underpinned by analysis of land use change for nature restoration and other objectives. This included analysis of potential spatial distributions of change to 2050, taking account of land’s suitability for food production.

Alongside the formal consultation, Defra ran and participated in several different engagement events across England to ensure that farmers’ and food producers’ views were heard. The Department led six regional workshops and regional focus groups, supported five regional workshops run by external organisations, and attended several wider meetings, conferences and discussions.

When published, the Land Use Framework will set out the evidence, data and tools needed to help safeguard our most productive agricultural land.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1066
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1066

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many (a) halal and (b) kosher slaughterhouses have been investigated for violations of (i) food safety and (ii) animal welfare standards in each year since 2020. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Food Standards Agency does not have data on the number of halal or kosher slaughterhouses investigated for violations of food safety or animal welfare standards.

The Food Standards Agency does not categorise slaughterhouses as either ‘halal’ or ‘kosher’. No specific approval is required to use these methods and so the slaughterhouses producing kosher or halal meat are not routinely recorded.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1067
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1067

Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help support local authority animal welfare inspectors. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra officials meet regularly with the National Animal Health and Welfare Panel which represents local authority inspectors to support inspectors to deliver their duties in relation to the health and welfare of farmed animals.

Defra has also completed a post-implementation review (PIR) of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 in line with the requirements of the regulations’ review clause. The Government is considering the findings and will be outlining more detail on next steps in due course. Any policy changes would be made with appropriate engagement with stakeholders.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1068
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1068

Stuart Andrew:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of consulting stakeholders on a proportionate approach to managing avian influenza risks in relation to poultry shows. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Defra officials have engaged with stakeholders to better understand achievable conditions for poultry shows. This process helped to shape a set of template conditions which could mitigate the disease risk associated with some poultry gatherings (for example shows). Applicants can apply to the Animal and Plant Health Agency for a specific licence for a poultry gathering. An individual risk assessment will be competed for each application to determine if a licence can be granted for that specific event.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1069
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1069

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of mandating the labelling of (a) halal and (b) kosher products. \p Dame Angela Eagle: There are no regulations that require the labelling of halal or kosher meat, but the Government expects industry to provide consumers with information on which to make an informed choice about their food. Any information provided on the method of slaughter must be accurate and not misleading to the consumer.

We will consider the potential role of method of production labelling reform as part of the ongoing development of the Government’s wider animal welfare strategy.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1070
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1070

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of (a) food safety and (b) animal welfare standards in (i) halal and (ii) kosher slaughterhouses. \p Dame Angela Eagle: No specific food safety or animal welfare assessments have been made of slaughterhouses using halal or kosher slaughter methods.

Animal welfare at time of killing legislation sets out the main requirements to protect the welfare of animals when being slaughtered. There are additional rules that apply when animals are slaughtered by either the Jewish or Muslim method to ensure that animals are spared avoidable pain, suffering, or distress during the slaughter process. Similarly, food hygiene legislation sets out the hygiene requirements for approved slaughterhouses regardless of the method used.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1071
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1071

Stuart Andrew:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the ban on poultry shows on the conservation of rare and traditional poultry breeds. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Regulation 6 of the Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (England) Regulations 2006, as amended, sets out the legal basis for permitting gatherings of poultry or other captive birds. In England, a licence to hold a bird gathering may be granted by Defra if a veterinary risk assessment has been carried out, and if the gathering, including the movement of birds to and from it, would not significantly increase the risk of the transmission of avian influenza virus. Detailed risk assessments can be found on GOV.UK.

A licence for a poultry gathering, such as a show, may be granted if the gathering and the transport of birds to and from it would not significantly increase the risk of the spread of bird flu. For each application to hold a gathering of poultry, such as a small poultry show, an individual risk assessment will be completed, and mitigating conditions will be set out in the licence.

Defra, through the annual UK Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR) breed inventory, updates the Breeds at Risk (BAR) list which contains native breeds that are considered to be at particular risk, for example in the event of an outbreak of exotic animal disease. The BAR list provides a potential derogation from culling during an outbreak, which is dependent on veterinary risk assessment.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1072
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1072

Suella Braverman:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of (a) trends in the level of illegal hare coursing and (b) the potential impact of illegal hare coursing on rural communities. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Wildlife crimes such as hare coursing are not ‘notifiable’ so there are no official Home Office statistics or identifiable trends to judge robustly whether such crimes are increasing or decreasing across the country. Decisions on whether to make wildlife crimes notifiable sit with the Home Office. It is reasonable to assume that measures introduced in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, along with improved police tactics, intelligence and information sharing as well as the use of community protection notices (CPN) and criminal behaviour orders (CBO), has had an effect in terms of reducing levels of hare coursing.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1073
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1073

Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on reducing inflation of food and drink. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Over the past year, Defra Ministers have regularly engaged with HM Treasury Ministers on cost-of-living pressures, including the inflationary impacts on food and drink.

The Child Poverty Taskforce provides a helpful cross-Whitehall forum for ministers across departments, including HM Treasury, to discuss and align measures to reduce household costs and improve access to affordable essentials. In parallel, Defra’s food strategy is developing policies to ensure that individuals across the country have access to affordable, nutritious food.

As a Government, we have taken the decisions needed to stabilise the public finances, but we recognise there is more to do to ease cost-of-living, which continues to place pressure on working households.

That’s why we’ve raised the minimum wage, extended the £3 bus fare cap, expanded free school meals to over half a million more children, and are rolling out free breakfast clubs for every child in the country.

Our commitment to the Triple Lock means that 12 million pensioners will receive an increase of up to £470 a year, worth £1,900 over the Parliament.

Through our Plan for Change we’re going further and faster to put more money in people's pockets.