theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_96
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_96

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what purposes Defence Equipment and Support has used artificial intelligence in the last 12 months. \p Maria Eagle: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the Government’s plan to kickstart an era of economic growth, transform how we deliver public services, and boost living standards for working people across the country.

Working with the Defence Science and Technology group, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) has continued to develop approaches for using AI to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our work. DE&S has launched a number of secure services, which provide access to Large Language Models (these are AI systems capable of understanding and generating natural language by processing large amounts of text data) and has successfully employed the use of AI techniques to improve the exploitation of large, unstructured and semi-structured datasets. This has provided opportunities that were not previously viable or cost effective through traditional data processing practices. All assessments are kept under continuous review.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_97
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_97

David Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of repurposing decommissioned Bofors anti-aircraft weapons for use in Ukrainian. \p Luke Pollard: We have not assessed the potential merits of repurposing decommissioned Bofors anti-aircraft weapons for Ukraine, as the system was withdrawn from UK service in the 1970s and Defence no longer holds these systems. We have not received any requests from the Armed Forces of Ukraine for Bofors guns.

We continue to work closely with the Ukrainian Government to ensure the capabilities we provide meet the tactical demands of the conflict as it evolves to resist Russia's illegal invasion. We have provided a number of capabilities to Ukraine that are similar to Bofors anti-aircraft weapons, and we have refurbished a number of previously decommissioned capabilities.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_98
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_98

Adam Dance:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Prime Minister's Oral Statement of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, whether his Department has plans to prioritise awarding contracts to domestic suppliers of defence and security equipment. \p Maria Eagle: Through the Defence Industrial Strategy, we will examine how to prioritise and promote UK based businesses for defence investment without losing the benefits of competition, including in those areas of the defence sector that present the greatest opportunities for UK economic growth and competitive advantage. We will also reform procurement to reduce waste and support industry to seize export opportunities.

The government has been clear that it will use the additional investment in defence announced by the Prime Minister on 25 February 2025 to maximise jobs, growth, skills and innovation in the UK. This investment in defence will protect UK citizens from threats and create a secure and stable environment in which businesses can thrive, supporting the Government’s number one mission to deliver economic growth.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_99
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_99

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will (a) hold discussions and (b) take steps with Super Humans Ukraine to provide (i) training, (ii) equipment for (A) prosthetics and (B) medical (1) assistance and (2) training and (iii) other support in Ukraine. \p Luke Pollard: As a world leader in military rehabilitation, the UK Ministry of Defence, in consultation with our Ukrainian partners has chosen to contribute to the NATO Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) funded Project RENOVATOR, a project to support the development of increased rehabilitation capacity and capability within Ukraine to help deal with the thousands of injured military personnel.

Project RENOVATOR supports the building of infrastructure and the provision of equipment and delivery of training and education, including specialist physiotherapy and prosthetic capabilities. The ultimate aim is to provide five modernised rehabilitation facilities across the country, supporting Ukraine to develop a modern military healthcare system.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_100
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_100

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how the defence budget is allocated across all (a) Regular and (b) Reserve Infantry Battalions. \p Luke Pollard: Regular and Reserve Infantry Battalions produce a costed programme as part of the Annual Budget Cycle. These programmes are based on their planned and prioritised commitments, as agreed in the Army Command Plan, and budgets are allocated accordingly.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_101
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_101

Alison Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to support army reserve units in Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency. \p Al Carns: The Department recognises the invaluable contributions made by the Army Reserves to Defence. Ensuring they have adequate support remains both a priority of mine, and the Ministry of Defence.

Paisley is home to the 102 Field Squadron, a subordinate of the 71 Engineer regiment, an Army Reserve regiment of the Royal Engineers.

The 102 Squadron is supported in the same way as all elements of the Army Reserve, including in terms of equipment and medical and welfare support. Engagement with local employers helps to secure their support for their reservists, delivered through the Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association and 51 Infantry Brigade.

Opportunities for high quality, role-related training is directed and delivered by 71 Engineer Regiment to ensure that 102 Squadron is prepared for its military role, whilst also providing personal development opportunities for those that take part in the training.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_102
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_102

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if the Government will make an assessment of the (a) adequacy of and (b) lessons learned from the security response to the Russian invasion of Crimea; and if he will make an assessment of the impact of that response on the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. \p Luke Pollard: The Prime Minister made clear in his statement to the House on 25 February 2025 that this Government is actively responding to the security situation regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We have already commissioned a Strategic Defence Review (SDR) to examine the whole of Defence and identify where reprioritisation of roles, capabilities, activities, and support may be made in the current Defence programme to allow new investment, achieve better value for money, and secure greater economic gain for the UK.

The Reviewers will make their final report to the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State in the spring of this year. The Secretary of State will then subsequently report to Parliament.

This Government is also beginning the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, reaching 2.5% of GDP from April 2027, maintaining that level for the rest of this Parliament, and then setting a clear ambition for defence spending to rise to 3% in the next Parliament.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_103
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_103

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many 30mm APSE Rarden cannon rounds have been supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. \p Luke Pollard: We have provided over 10 million rounds of small arms/light weapons ammunition to Ukraine. We cannot comment on specific calibres of ammunition due to operational security.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_104
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_104

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to improve mental health support for active military personnel. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to the health and wellbeing of our Armed Forces personnel. All Service personnel have access to mental health support throughout their career, including medical and non-medical services.

For Armed Forces personnel requiring dedicated mental healthcare, the Defence Medical Services (DMS) provides a responsive, flexible, accessible, and comprehensive treatment service. The majority of patients who seek mental health care are managed by their GP; however, some with more complex needs will receive treatment from specialist mental health care services.

The DMS is reshaping mental health provision to reduce waiting lists, improve timelines for patient recovery and refocus on earlier intervention. There will be a single point of access for specialist mental health networks allowing quicker access to initial assessment and earlier allocation to the right treatment pathway. DMS is increasing access to resources and online therapy to improve the care offered by GPs.

Several non-medical interventions across Defence complement medical services, including key MOD initiatives such as the Defence Senior Leaders Mental Fitness and Resilience course (SLMFR), HeadFIT and the Annual Mental Fitness Brief (AMFB). Additionally, each of the single Services provide through career mental health and stress management training.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_105
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_105

John Glen:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 13 February 2025 to Question 29436 on Manufacturing Industries, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of including food and drink manufacturing in the Industrial Strategy. \p Sarah Jones: Growth is the number one mission of the government. The UK's food and drink manufacturing sector plays a significant role in the UK economy, contributing £35.1bn to GVA in 2022. The UK presents many opportunities for investment right across the food and drink supply chain stages of product development.

The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review. These Sector Plans will set out the specific sub-sectors of focus, identify key barriers to growth, and describe how government and industry intend to achieve long-term growth for the sector.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_106
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_106

Shivani Raja:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing (a) targeted tax relief and (b) other financial support measures to support businesses that have had to source materials or services from alternative suppliers at higher costs as a result of restrictions on trade with Russia. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The Department for Business and Trade does not provide financial support in relation to sanctions. Where possible, we have sought to minimise the impact on businesses through implementing appropriate exceptions, specific export licences where appropriate, and wind-down periods when some sanctions are introduced. UK businesses can access a wealth of online export support via Great.gov.uk and one-to-one support from International Trade Advisers.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_107
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_107

Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether any staff in his Department have been allocated to negotiating a free trade agreement with the United States. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: DBT's Trade Policy, Implementation and Negotiations (TPIN) Group operates a flexible resourcing model to maximise efficiency across its priorities. The Department has committed to delivering six Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations alongside leading work on the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), work on the U.S. and the reset of the UK-EU relationship, and multilateral, implementation and market access work.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_108
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_108

John Glen:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 13 February 2025 to Question 29436 on Manufacturing Industries, whether food and drink manufacturing is  a key advanced manufacturing sector. \p Sarah Jones: The Industrial Strategy will focus on the sectors which offer the highest growth opportunity for the economy and business, including Advanced Manufacturing. The Government will prioritise subsectors within the broad sectors that meet our objectives and where there is evidence that policy can address barriers to growth.

The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review. These Sector Plans will set out the specific sub-sectors of focus, identify key barriers to growth, and describe how government and industry intend to achieve long-term growth for the sector.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_109
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_109

Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 24 February 2025 to Question 28100 on Investment, when the Minister for Investment (a) last visited and (b) will next visit the regions. \p Sarah Jones: The Minister for Investment has made several regional visits since her appointment in October, including to Edinburgh, Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire, Darlington and Sunderland. The Minister for Investment will continue to make several regional visits in the coming months, to continue to promote investment and identify opportunities across the United Kingdom.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_110
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_110

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many officials from his Department attended the World Economic Forum 2025. \p Sarah Jones: Five officials from the Department for Business and Trade attended the World Economic Forum 2025, accompanying two ministers. This is inclusive of one special advisor.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_111
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_111

Martin Rhodes:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with which stakeholders will his Department consult on its proposed trade strategy, and what timeframe that consultation will follow. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The Department recognises that stakeholder engagement is vital in developing the Trade Strategy. We have conducted targeted business engagement across the UK, including an open call for views from industry, civil society organisations, and academia. Stakeholders submitted views via a dedicated Trade Strategy mailbox, which closed on 17 January 2025, generating over 200 submissions. We will maintain engagement to ensure stakeholder views are heard as we develop and deliver a Trade Strategy for the whole of the UK.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_112
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_112

Gareth Snell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what aspects of the (a) UK-Australia and (b) UK-New Zealand free trade agreements will be assessed as part of the biannual monitoring reports that will be published on those treaties. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The department is considering its approach to monitoring Free Trade Agreements, including the UK-Australia and UK-New Zealand agreement. The government will provide an update on this in due course to align with the Trade Strategy.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_113
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_113

Gareth Snell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with which relevant stakeholders it plans to consult when preparing its biannual monitoring reports on the (a) UK-Australia and (b) UK-New Zealand free trade agreements. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The Department for Business and Trade engages with and recognises the need to understand a range of stakeholder perspectives in its aims to monitor Free Trade Agreements, including UK-Australia and UK-New Zealand.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_114
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_114

Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of taking steps to ensure that energy meter reading technology is being upgraded in line with the latest technological developments. \p Justin Madders: The accuracy of energy meters is of benefit to both energy providers and consumers and is a requirement of the Electricity and Gas Act legislation covering energy meters. To ensure the UK is taking account of the latest technological innovations the Government participates on relevant international committees that develop internationally recognised standards for ensuring consumption via energy meters is recorded accurately. Following those standards helps industry ensure they are also meeting their legal requirements.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_115
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_115

Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade,  what steps his Department is taking to stop the mis-selling of static caravans via the holiday park industry. \p Justin Madders: The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires that all terms of written contracts must be fair and transparent. Additionally, the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 prohibit unfair and misleading marketing tactics towards consumers. These rules normally apply to static caravans which are often significant purchases and it is crucial that consumers seek appropriate legal advice to clearly understand the terms and conditions of the sale so that they can make a fully informed decision.

We are further strengthening the enforcement of this framework following implementation of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_116
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_116

Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many staff in his Department were working on new free trade agreements in February 2025. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: DBT’s Trade Policy, Implementation and Negotiations (TPIN) Group operates a flexible resourcing model to maximise efficiency across priorities. DBT has committed to delivering six Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations alongside leading work on the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, work on the U.S., the reset of the UK-EU relationship as well as multilateral, implementation and market access work.

FTA staff numbers vary depending on the stage and scale of the deal. However, in July 2024, DBT had 640 staff working in TPIN and in January 2025 this number is 675.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_117
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_117

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing an additional bank holiday for the Monday after Remembrance Sunday. \p Justin Madders: The Government recognises the sacrifices made by so many veterans and the profound debt of gratitude owed to those who have served our country.

We regularly receive requests for additional bank and public holidays to mark a variety of occasions. While an additional bank holiday may benefit some communities and sectors, the cost to the economy remains considerable. The latest analysis estimates the cost to the UK economy for a one-off bank holiday to be around £2 billion.

The current pattern of bank and public holidays is well established and widely accepted. The Government has no plans to change it.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_118
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_118

Marie Goldman:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of recent trends in Royal Mail’s postal service deliveries times; and what steps the Government is taking to ensure that customers receive a reliable and timely service. \p Justin Madders: It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, to set and monitor Royal Mail’s service standards, and to decide how to use its powers to investigate and take enforcement action. In December 2024, following its investigation of Royal Mail’s performance in the 2023-24 financial year, Ofcom fined the company £10.5m because of its failure to significantly improve service levels.

Ofcom is currently considering the future of the universal postal service and published a consultation in January proposing a package of reforms to better reflect people’s usage of postal services and support financial sustainability.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_119
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_119

Fabian Hamilton:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of implementing the proposals of the Better Business Act campaign. \p Justin Madders: The Better Business Act campaign seeks changes to Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 to provide for company directors to deliver benefits to shareholders, society and the environment. Section 172 already enables companies to amend their articles of association to provide for this purpose, or any other corporate purpose. Section 172 also requires directors to have regard to a range of interests, including those of employees and the community and the environment. Large companies must report each year on how this has informed their directors’ decision-making. Therefore, the Government has no plans currently to amend Section 172.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_120
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_120

Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to (a) protect and (b) support trade unions in (i) Bedfordshire, (ii) the East of England and (iii) the UK. \p Justin Madders: The government believes that trade unions play a vital role in ensuring that workers have a genuine voice at work and have the ability to act collectively.

The Employment Rights Bill represents the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation. Through the Bill, we will update trade union legislation to reduce unnecessary re-strictions on trade union activity, streamline the trade union recognition process, introduce a new right of access framework and enhance the rights and protections for trade union representatives. These reforms will help ensure that industrial relations are based on good faith negotiation and collective bargaining.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_121
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_121

John McDonnell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress the Insolvency Service has made in their civil investigation of P&O Ferries. \p Justin Madders: The Insolvency Service’s civil investigation into the circumstances surrounding the redundancies made by P&O Ferries remains ongoing. No further comment or information can be provided at this time.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_122
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_122

David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, on how many occasions has the Groceries Code Adjudicator imposed the maximum fine on a retailer for non-compliance since 2013. \p Justin Madders: Since 2013 the Groceries Code Adjudicator has not imposed a fine on a retailer for non-compliance.

The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) has a number of levers to deal with non-compliance and resolve disputes. Following an investigation into a regulated retailer which has breached the Code, the Adjudicator can issue recommendations against a retailer, require retailers to publish details of a breach or fine retailers up to 1% of their annual turnover.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_123
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_123

John McDonnell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the former Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service sought advice from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments before accepting the position of Executive Director of the Centre for Public Interest Audit. \p Justin Madders: The Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service’s submitted his notice of resignation on 12th February 2025 and his last day will be 12th May 2025. The Department for Business and Trade determined that the conditions for making an application to the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments were not met in this case.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_124
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_124

Steve Barclay:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has plans to reopen Sandeel fisheries in UK waters. \p Daniel Zeichner: In March 2024, and following a public consultation, the UK and Scottish Governments closed English waters of the North Sea and all Scottish Waters to sandeel fishing. The closure will shield sandeel as an essential food source for threatened seabird populations, commercially valuable fish and for marine mammals. The EU has raised a dispute that the UK’s decision to prohibit fishing for sandeel within UK waters is not compliant with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The UK is defending its decision. The hearing took place on 28th - 30th January and we are awaiting the tribunal's decision from the Permanent Court of Arbitration
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_125
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_125

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance he has issued on using Community Protection Notices for household waste receptacles. \p Mary Creagh: The Home Office, who administer the legislation for Community Protection Notices, have issued guidance on their use. This is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6422a19b60a35e00120cae63/2023_Update_ASB_Statutory_Guidance_-_FINAL__1_.pdf.

Defra has issued guidance on using fixed penalties notices under section 46A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for household waste receptacle offences. This is available at:

Household waste bins: when and how councils may issue fixed penalties - GOV.UK
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_126
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_126

Tim Farron:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on ensuring that the plan for growth includes protections for (a) wildlife and (b) nature. \p Mary Creagh: This Government is fully committed to ensuring that development contributes to nature’s recovery and delivers a win-win for both nature and the economy. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will establish a Nature Restoration Fund. This will create a more efficient and effective way for obligations related to our most important sites and species to be discharged at a scale that brings about the greatest environmental benefits. The Autumn Budget 2024 committed £45 million in funding to support the establishment of the Fund.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_127
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_127

Tim Farron:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of short-term land use to improve soil health and resilience to droughts and floods. \p Mary Creagh: Defra currently has research programmes underway on the impact of different agricultural land management options.

The Government recognises the importance of healthy, functioning soil for resilience against the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and drought. The rich variety of soils across England need to be managed with particular consideration given to the soil type, climate, land use and desired function. While these decisions are made at farm level, they need the right frameworks, incentives and conditions from Government and the wider food chain. That is why the Government is currently consulting on our vision for land use in England, which will inform the development of a Land Use Framework.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_128
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_128

Robbie Moore:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of solar farms on underlying soil quality. \p Mary Creagh: A wide range of public assessments have been made on the uses of land alongside and underneath solar panels, such as livestock grazing and other approaches to species-rich grassland creation.

When considering development proposals that affect agricultural land and soils, the Government encourages developers and local planning authorities to refer to relevant Government policies and guidance that aim to protect all soils by managing them in a sustainable way.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_129
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_129

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Animal Welfare Committee’s review of responsible sourcing of fur will be published before second reading of the Fur (Import and Sale) Bill on 13 June 2025. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra is continuing to build the evidence base on the fur sector. The Animal Welfare Committee’s opinion on the sustainable sourcing of fur is due to complete in 2025 and will be published on GOV.UK thereafter.

As with all projects, the precise dates for conclusion and publication are not set.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_130
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_130

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what purposes the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science has used artificial intelligence in the last 12 months. \p Daniel Zeichner: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the Government’s plan to kickstart an era of economic growth, transform how we deliver public services, and boost living standards for working people across the country.

Cefas has used artificial intelligence for applying computer vision and machine learning tools to automate data collection processes. This technology enables us to analyse very large quantities of images and videos that would be impossible to achieve manually. Specific applications include:
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_131
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_131

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what consultations his Department has held with farming communities on the potential impact of rural road infrastructure on farming operations. \p Daniel Zeichner: Rural road infrastructure is not a matter for Defra. The Department for Transport is responsible for providing policy, guidance and funding to local authorities in England to help them run and maintain their road networks. Local authorities are responsible for the management of the local road network under their control, and it is for individual local authorities to decide on how best to maintain its roads based on local needs, priorities and funding. Consultation with rural communities, including farmers, on the subject of road infrastructure would be a matter for the Department for Transport and the relevant local authorities.

This Government takes the accessibility and condition of both rural and urban roads very seriously and is determined to help local authorities tackle the maintenance backlog that results from years of underinvestment by the previous Government. Well-maintained roads are vital for the economy and broader factors such as the social wellbeing of communities.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_132
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_132

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of (a) vaccinations and (b) culling practices in tackling the spread of tuberculosis. \p Daniel Zeichner: The new Government has started work on a comprehensive new bovine TB strategy, to continue to drive down disease rates to save cattle and farmers’ livelihoods and to end the badger cull by the end of this parliament.

The CattleBCG vaccine, when coupled with the new Detect Infected amongst Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) skin test, represents a significant advancement in bovine TB control for cattle herds. Previous studies demonstrated significant vaccine protection against experimental challenge with high dose of bovine TB[1]. As with other vaccines, a range of protection is expected. Some animals will be fully or only partially protected after vaccination whilst others will remain susceptible to the disease. Recent international studies investigating the full extent of BCG protection in natural conditions found a total efficacy of 89%[2].

Previous research by APHA scientists has also found that vaccination of badgers with BCG can reduce the risk of adult badgers testing positive for TB by 54% [3]. When enough badgers are vaccinated, the risk of infection in unvaccinated cubs can also be reduced by 79%1. The Government will continue to increase vaccination delivery and analyse the effect of badger vaccination on the incidence of TB in cattle.

The existing badger control policy is on a steep downward trajectory and all remaining intensive and supplementary licences will end in January 2026. These culls are based on findings of the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT) carried out from 1997 to 2005. The latest analysis from APHA found a median 56% reduction in bovine TB incidence from 52 areas subject to the Badger Control Policy (which includes badger culling and enhanced cattle surveillance) [4].

[1] APHA, 2021, The potential role for BCG vaccination in global efforts to control and eradicate bovine tuberculosis. https://rj8a5f.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/APHA_technical_discussion_paper_WOAH_-BCG_vaccination_cattle.pdf

[2] Fromsa et al., 2024. BCG vaccination reduces bovine tuberculosis transmission, improving prospects for elimination. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl3962

[3] Carter et al., 2012. BCG Vaccination Reduces Risk of Tuberculosis Infection in Vaccinated Badgers and Unvaccinated Badger Cubs. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0049833.

[4] Birch et al., 2024. Difference in differences analysis evaluates the effects of the badger control policy on bovine tuberculosis in England. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-54062-4
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_133
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_133

Mark Pritchard:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to  bring forward legislative proposals to require imports of (a) meat, (b) dairy and (c) eggs to meet the same animal welfare standards as the UK. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government shares the public’s high regard for the UK’s environmental protections, food standards and animal welfare. Unfortunately, it inherited trade deals signed by the Conservative government that created unfair disadvantages for British farmers. British farming has been let down by 14 years of Tory decline with 14,000 farming businesses closing under Conservative governments.

This Government recognises farmers’ concerns about imports produced using methods not permitted in the UK. We have been clear that we will use our Trade Strategy to support economic growth and promote the highest standards of food production.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_134
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_134

Samantha Niblett:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to allow payments for farmers to grow home grown (a) pulses and (b) legumes as protein sources as SFI. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) pays farmers and land managers to carry out actions that support the sustainable production of food and boost farm productivity and resilience, while protecting and enhancing the environment. Within SFI there are existing actions which can support pulses and legumes. On improved grassland there is an action to add legumes to the grass. On arable land there is a companion cropping action to grow two or more crops together which can include pulses or legumes as a companion.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_135
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_135

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of using grass pasture for carbon storage. \p Emma Hardy: Defra is informed by work in its advisory bodies on this topic.

Natural England produced an assessment of carbon storage by different habitats in 2021 and found that old species-rich grasslands with minimal inputs can store significant amounts of carbon. There are many factors that influence the amount of carbon storage including historical management, grassland types, soil types and climate. In view of ongoing uncertainties, Defra is funding ongoing research on carbon in grasslands within the Nature Returns programme (https://www.kew.org/science/nature-returns).

The role of grazing and fertiliser inputs also needs to be taken into account in assessing the value of pasture as carbon stores. The most recent report of the Climate Change Committee (The Seventh Carbon Budget Advice for the UK Government, 2025) addressed this. It reports that ‘nearly two-thirds (63%) of agricultural emissions (and all agricultural methane emissions) in 2022 were directly emitted from livestock, with 49% from the digestive process (enteric fermentation) of cattle and sheep and 14% from the management of livestock waste and manure. Agricultural soils, mainly from the application of organic and chemical fertiliser onto grassland and cropland, accounted for a further 24%’.

References & Reports

Natural England (2021) Carbon Storage and Sequestration by Habitat 2021 (NERR094)

https://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5419124441481216

Climate Change Committee (2025). The Seventh Carbon Budget. Advice for the UK Government

https://www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-Seventh-Carbon-Budget.pdf
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_136
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_136

Barry Gardiner:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 January 2025 to Question 22880 on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, whether his Department has drafted the secondary legislation required in advance of ratification for the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is completely committed to ratification of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), which is in line with our determination to reinvigorate the UK's wider international leadership on climate and nature. Work is in hand on the measures needed to implement the detailed and complex provisions of the Agreement before the UK can ratify. Legislation to implement the BBNJ Agreement will be introduced as soon as the legislative timetable allows.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_137
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_137

Jon Trickett:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the headline water bill for the 2024 price review period includes the cost of (a) direct procurement for customer and (b) specified infrastructure projects regulations schemes. \p Emma Hardy: The development costs of funding Direct Procurement for Customer (DPC) schemes and Specified Infrastructure Project Regulations (SIPR) projects have been included in company business plans, as set out in Ofwat’s Major Projects Appendix. Funding is set out at individual project level and is identified as a DPC or SIPR (please see page 9). Almost all the schemes are funded via DPC and these account for £2.1 billion of development funding in PR24, and circa £50 billion whole life costs.

DPC is funded separately to enhancement expenditure. The capital costs of DPC will be spread over time and funded in addition to customer bill impacts forecast through the business plan submissions. DPC costs in the main will not occur in the next investment period (2025-2030), as DPC costs are passed through to customers once assets become operational.

Customer bills between 2025 and 2030 will include funding for the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme for United Utilities (delivered via DPC) and the Thames Tideway Tunnel (delivered via SIPR). Thames Water customer bills have included impacts from this scheme since 2015.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_138
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_138

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the readiness of businesses in the hospitality industry for the implementation of the mandatory separation of food waste from recycling from 31 March 2025. \p Mary Creagh: We are working closely with industry partners such as UK Hospitality, the Hospitality Sector Council, and Food and Drink Federation to raise awareness of the requirements and understand the sector’s readiness, which has included hosting a sector specific webinar with the hospitality sector. Our understanding of readiness of the sector is also informed by ongoing discussions with the waste collection industry.

Furthermore, we are actively responding to queries and publishing guidance in partnership with WRAP to further support the sector’s readiness.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_139
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_139

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support research and development in more efficient and sustainable (a) tractor attachments and (b) harvesting machinery. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Farming Innovation Programme (FIP) provides competitive funding to research projects developing innovative practices and technologies, including efficient and sustainable attachments for tractors and harvesting machinery. This has included support the development of, for example, electronic weeding attachments and crop harvesting robots for strawberries, courgettes and asparagus. An additional £42.6 million of FIP funding will be available from 2025/2026.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_140
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_140

James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what role he envisages community and voluntary organisations such as community gardens playing in the food system going forwards; and whether funding is available for existing community and voluntary organisations for this purpose. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government will be considering the role of place-based initiatives, including the role of community and voluntary organisations, as we develop our plans for a food strategy that will create a healthier, fairer and more resilient food system.

The development of a food system strategy, in partnership with the food sector itself, sets out to map the system-change that is needed. It is too early to list confirmed actions or activities, and therefore funding decisions.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_141
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_141

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 20 January 2025, to Question 23647, on Planning Permission: Air Pollution, for what reason the interim guidance was approved without an (a) public sector equality duty assessment and (b) environmental principles assessment. \p Emma Hardy: The environmental principles were considered throughout the development of the interim guidance, and the policy has due regard to the aims of the public sector equality duty. The Answer of 20 January 2025, pursuant to Question 23647 was interpreted as a request for the publication of a formal assessment of how the environmental principles were applied and publication of an equality impact assessment. Publication of these assessments is not required.
wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_142
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-03 conversation_142

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has plans to put the Government’s target for 50% of public procurement for food to be locally sourced on a statutory footing. \p Daniel Zeichner: We are committed to opening up public sector supply chains to a wider range of companies, particularly small and medium-sized (SME) businesses, including farmers. Increasing the diversity of supply will better support local economies, increase resilience, and encourage food producers to innovate. We are considering the policy options available to deliver these aims. Any future policies will be informed by the review of the provenance of food sourced by the public sector, announced recently.