theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

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Sammy Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to include motorcycling in its planned Integrated National Transport Strategy. \p Lilian Greenwood: Later this year, the department will publish the Integrated National Transport Strategy (INTS) and set the long-term vision for transport across England, placing people at the heart of how we plan, build, and operate transport. The Strategy will aim to address fragmentation and inefficiency across the transport system to ensure that people can easily, reliably, and safely carry out the journeys they want to make, however they choose to travel.

We have conducted extensive engagement with stakeholders and members of the public, including motorcyclists and motorcycle user representative groups, through a Call for Ideas, Regional Roadshows, and targeted sessions with seldom heard groups. As the Strategy is still in development, I am unable to comment on specific policy questions, but all the insights gathered through our engagement activities have been analysed and are being considered as the Strategy continues to evolve.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

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Kate Osamor:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether motorcycling will be included in the Integrated National Transport Strategy. \p Lilian Greenwood: Later this year, the department will publish the Integrated National Transport Strategy (INTS) and set the long-term vision for transport across England, placing people at the heart of how we plan, build, and operate transport. The Strategy will aim to address fragmentation and inefficiency across the transport system to ensure that people can easily, reliably, and safely carry out the journeys they want to make, however they choose to travel.

We have conducted extensive engagement with stakeholders and members of the public, including motorcyclists and motorcycle user representative groups, through a Call for Ideas, Regional Roadshows, and targeted sessions with seldom heard groups. As the Strategy is still in development, I am unable to comment on specific policy questions, but all the insights gathered through our engagement activities have been analysed and are being considered as the Strategy continues to evolve.
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Nadia Whittome:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she plans to publish guidance on cross-pavement electric vehicle charging solutions. \p Lilian Greenwood: In December 2024, the Government published cross-pavement guidance to help local authorities understand what they need to consider for the roll-out of cross-pavement solutions. This includes relevant permissions, minimum existing standards, responsibilities and case studies.

In addition to the guidance, in July 2025 Government announced the £25 million Electric Vehicle Pavement Channels Grant to further support local authorities to adopt pavement channels as part of their local charging strategies.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason the gov.uk Apply for a Blue Badge service asks for user's gender as (a) male, (b) female and (c) identify differently; and if he will ensure the Government Digital Service collects biological sex data. \p Lilian Greenwood: This information is collected as part of the Blue Badge application process to ensure the application is handled sensitively and issue badges under the appropriate gender.

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is tasked with transforming the provision of online public services, and is a matter for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
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Lewis Cocking:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her planned timetable is for each stage of (a) consulting on and (b) ratifying the updated Airports National Policy Statement. \p Mike Kane: The Government published a letter to potential promoters inviting proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. The government is now assessing the proposals against the criteria set out in the letter. Once this is complete the Government will review the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS). We cannot speculate on the timings of the review at this stage, however when conducting the review, the Secretary of State will comply with the requirements in the Planning Act 2008, including consultation, publicity and parliamentary requirements.
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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to (a) monitor and (b) limit the level of parking fees at airports. \p Mike Kane: The Department for Transport has no plans to monitor or limit the level of parking fees at airports.

The provision and charging of car parking at airports (including drop off and pick charges) is a matter for the airport operator as a commercial business to manage and justify.
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Liz Saville Roberts:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many additional driving tests have been created in (a) Pwllheli and (b) Y Bala in each month since 23 April 2025. \p Lilian Greenwood: Pwllheli test centre is an outstation with driving examiners (DE) deployed from Bangor/Rhyl driving test centres (DTC), where possible. Y Bala is also an outstation with DEs deployed from Wrexham DTC, where possible.

The table below shows how many driving tests have been conducted in Pwllheli and Y Bala in each month since 23 April 2025.

Pwllheli

Y Bala

May

61

53

June

59

80

July

73

45

Total

193

178
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Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on the transport of carbon dioxide by ship. \p Mike Kane: Officials within the department have engaged with their counterparts in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on non-pipeline transport of carbon dioxide, including via rail and ship. This includes inputting into the Call for Evidence on Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage on Non-Pipeline Transport and Cross border CO2 networks that ran between 7 May 2024 and 16 July 2024.

They are now working with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on their upcoming consultation on Non-Pipeline Transport of CO2, which is due for publication by the second half of this year [2025].
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department's polices on air travel safety of the plane crash at Southend airport in July 2025. \p Mike Kane: I would like to reassure you that UK airspace and operators are among the safest in the world. However, we are not complacent, and the government is committed to maintaining and improving high safety standards in aviation in the UK and across the world.

The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is currently leading the investigation into the recent accident at Southend Airport. At this stage, we are unable to comment on the progress or findings of the investigation. However, should any safety concerns arise regarding the aircraft or its operator, the Department stands ready to take prompt and decisive action to mitigate any risks in collaboration with the AAIB and Civil Aviation Authority.
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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with local transport authorities on the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of bus drivers. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport regularly meets with stakeholders, including local transport authorities, to discuss bus policy issues.

Bus services in England are predominantly run on a commercial basis by private operators who are ultimately responsible for effectively managing their workforce and the recruitment of bus drivers. However, the government will continue to work with the bus sector to support them in being able to meet both their current and future labour requirements.
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Sarah Edwards:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will issue guidance to local authorities on ensuring that bus stop bypasses are accessible to blind and partially sighted people. \p Simon Lightwood: The government has committed to publishing new statutory guidance for local authorities on the design of floating bus stops, also known as bus stop bypasses, within three months of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill receiving Royal Assent. We will engage with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee on the guidance and will also work with relevant stakeholders, including groups representing the needs of blind and partially sighted people.

The Bill also seeks a new power for the Secretary of State to develop statutory guidance on the safety and accessibility of bus stops and stations. It is our intention that the design guidance will complement the safety and accessibility guidance, helping to ensure that people are not prevented from using bus services because of inadequate accessibility.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many publicly available roadside electric vehicle chargers there were in Huntingdon constituency as of 1 July 2025. \p Lilian Greenwood: Data on public electric vehicle charging devices in the UK, held by the Department for Transport, are sourced from the electric vehicle charging platform Zapmap.

The table below presents public charging devices in the Huntingdon constituency as of 1st July 2025 broken down by location category.

On street

En route

Destination

Other

Total public charging devices

Huntingdon constituency

5

25

92

7

129
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with the operators and management of each UK Airport on the increase in costs of passenger drop-offs and pick-ups; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of this on the livelihoods of people in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme, (b) Staffordshire and (c) England. \p Mike Kane: Most airports in the UK are managed and operated as private businesses, and parking arrangements are subject to contractual agreements between airport operators and car parking companies covered by consumer laws.

The provision and charging of car parking at airports (including drop off and pick charges) is a matter for the airport operator as a commercial business to manage and justify.

Officials regularly engage with commercial airports on a large number of matters such as surface access, which includes the use of drop off charges, to improve access to airports whilst taking into account associated environmental impacts.
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Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending eligibility for Blue Badges to include voluntary patient transport providers. \p Lilian Greenwood: It is preferable for disabled individuals to hold their own Blue Badge, allowing them to use it in any vehicle they travel in, whether as a driver or a passenger. However, an organisational Blue Badge may be issued to an organisation for use in vehicles transporting disabled people who would individually qualify for a badge, as set out in Section 4(2) of the Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (England) Regulations 2000.

Local authorities must be able to confirm that the organisation both cares for and regularly transports individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for a personal Blue Badge, and that there is a clear operational need for an organisational badge rather than relying on individual badges.
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Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information her Department holds on average cab temperatures on buses in periods of hot weather; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of average cab temperatures on the health of bus drivers. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department for Transport does not hold this information.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring all transport workers have access to suitable working conditions. The majority of bus services in England outside London are provided on a commercial basis by private operators, who are responsible for ensuring their employees have access to healthy and safe working conditions.
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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to (a) reduce street obstacles and (b) improve the accessibility of pavements for (i) blind and (ii) visually impaired people in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Lilian Greenwood: Local authorities are responsible for managing their roads, including the provision of fixed street furniture such as benches, bins and cycle racks. It is for local authorities to manage their roads in such as way as to comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty.

The Department’s guidance document Inclusive Mobility provides advice on designing accessible public realm and includes recommendations on placing street furniture in a way that does not create obstructions for disabled people.
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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with (a) the equine sector, (b) local authorities and (c) road safety bodies on enforcing safe driving practices around horse riders. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads and my Department works with a broad range of stakeholders, including discussions with the British Horse Society, to help us achieve our aim.

In 2022 The Highway Code was updated to improve the safety of all road users, particularly the most vulnerable. Key changes included the introduction of a Hierarchy of Road Users, which ensures that those who do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat that they pose to others, along with the strengthening of guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking horse-riders.

Local authorities are responsible for road safety on the local road network. The Government treats road safety with the utmost seriousness and provides local authorities with guidance on road safety measures but it is up to individual authorities to determine how they meet their statutory duty.
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Steff Aquarone:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the availability of visual field testing for driving license holders diagnosed with glaucoma in (a) North Norfolk constituency, (b) Norfolk and (c) England. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) vision testing supplier, Specsavers, currently has 360 stores across England that provide visual field testing for DVLA purposes. In Norfolk six stores offer this service with the closest stores to North Norfolk constituency in Norwich or Wisbech.

Specsavers is contractually required to ensure that an optometrist is available within a 25-mile radius of a customer applying for a licence. Where this is not possible Specsavers engages with local independent stores to provide the necessary services (typically this has only been in the Highlands of Scotland)
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to assist people impacted by the practice of illegitimate motor insurance. \p Lilian Greenwood: All drivers must be insured to drive the vehicle they are using and for the purpose it is used for, and all drivers are subject to roadside enforcement by the police. Consumers should check that the firms they are purchasing insurance from are legitimate, which they can do by searching the Financial Conduct Authority’s Financial Services Register.

The Register lists all firms the FCA has approved, as well as firms that may be providing regulated products or services without the correct authorisation (including those deliberately running scams). It includes the different details unauthorised firms give out and whether they’re falsely claiming to be from an authorised firm.

The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) has been set up by the insurance industry to share intelligence on insurance claims and to identify dubious and repeated claims. The IFB looks for evidence of organised fraud on industry databases, develops cross-industry intelligence and coordinates investigations between insurers, the police and other agencies.

In October 2024, the government introduced a new Insurance Fraud Charter. This is a voluntary agreement between the government and the insurance sector to reduce fraud, designed to identify loopholes in the insurance market, enhance collaboration and criminal justice outcomes, better understand the scale of the problem and improve victim support. Home Office is also working to develop a new Fraud Strategy.

The Government regularly engages with a variety of stakeholders on issues relating to motor insurance, including fraud, and committed in its manifesto to tackle the high cost of motor insurance. To deliver on this, the Government formed a cross-government taskforce, co-chaired by the Department for Transport and His Majesty’s Treasury. The taskforce is expected to publish its final report in the autumn.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to encourage the uptake of (a) outdoor farrowing and (b) other higher welfare rearing systems for pigs. \p Daniel Zeichner: We are firmly committed to maintaining and improving the lives of farm animals and want to work closely with the farming sector to deliver high standards. The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway supports farmers to improve the health and welfare of their livestock through funded vet visits as well as targeted grants such as the Animal Health & Welfare Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF25). The FETF provides grants to farmers, including pig keepers, of between £1,000 and £25,000 towards the cost of a list of equipment items that deliver improvements in the health and welfare of their animals. The item list includes kit specifically intended to improve and upgrade pig housing such as outdoor farrowing arks, automatic curtain systems and LED lighting. This follows the FETF24 offer in which funding for over 800 farrowing arks was claimed by pig keepers. We continue to work with industry as part of the Pathway to encourage improvements in pig welfare.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many employees in his Department earn (a) £100,000 and (b) £166,000 or more per year. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra publishes organogram data for Senior Civil Servants here: Organogram of Staff Roles & Salaries - data.gov.uk.
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Mims Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help expand the network of small abattoirs in (a) the South East and (b) England. \p Daniel Zeichner: England benefits from an established and resilient meat processing sector which continues to deliver high-quality products, supporting food supply and food security. The Government has full confidence this will continue.

While the Government does not intervene in individual business decisions, it is dedicated to working collaboratively with the sector to help, where possible, alleviate pressures faced by small abattoirs. Defra remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance accessibility to slaughter facilities in the South East and more widely across England.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with representatives of the fruit-growing sector on access to innovation funding for harvesting technologies. \p Daniel Zeichner: We recognise the specific needs of the horticulture sector, and Defra ministers and officials meet regularly with a variety of growers from across the sector, including representatives from the fruit-growing sector, to discuss a wide range of issues to help us understand how best to support the sector.
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Mims Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the closure of small abattoirs on food (a) safety and (b) security. \p Daniel Zeichner: Ensuring the safety of food that enters the supply chain is of vital importance to the Government. Likewise, the Government considers food security a matter of national security and is committed to maintaining a resilient and diverse food supply chain.

The contribution smaller abattoirs make to the UK food supply chain for meat products in England, is approximately 7% of overall production and 0.3% of throughput. While we have seen the closure of several smaller abattoirs in recent years, this has not impacted national food security or food supply. The national abattoir network remains resilient, continuing to deliver high-quality and safe meat products.

Nonetheless, we recognise that small abattoirs play an important role in supporting regional food systems, providing routes to market for local producers, particularly those rearing native and rare breeds and sustaining diversity in the meat processing sector.

While the Government does not intervene in individual business decisions, it is committed to working with the smaller abattoir sector to help, where possible, mitigate pressures that these abattoirs face.
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Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with devolved Administrations on the consistency of on-farm animal welfare inspections across the United Kingdom. \p Daniel Zeichner: Animal welfare is a devolved matter in the UK. This means that responsibility for animal welfare policy in the individual nations is the responsibility of the relevant nations’ Ministers.

However, Defra works closely with the devolved Governments on a range of shared priorities and will discuss any relevant matters as necessary such as animal welfare inspections.
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Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that dogs are removed from unfit owners. \p Daniel Zeichner: Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is an offence to cause any animal unnecessary suffering or to fail to provide for its welfare. Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare, may be banned from owning animals. They may also face an unlimited fine, be sent to prison, or both.

Local authorities and the police have powers under the 2006 Act to investigate allegations of cruelty, poor welfare, or neglect of animals. Where necessary, they may also take possession of animals to protect them from harm.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of designating Dover Port Health Authority as the lead authority for checking for illegal meat imports at the Port of Dover. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra is working with the Home Office, Border Force and Dover Port Health Authority to ensure that operations around illegal meat imports are as efficient as possible. Border Force is the Government agency responsible for combatting all illegal imports.
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Mims Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing long term funding through (a) grants and (b) discounts to small abattoirs. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra recognises the vital role smaller abattoirs play in supporting local livestock producers and maintaining a resilient and competitive food supply chain.

We continue to work to simplify and rationalise our grant funding from 2026 onwards following the Spending Review and ensuing business planning to ensure our grants are targeted towards those who need them most and where they can deliver the most benefit for food security and nature. Any future opportunities will be announced in due course.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is conducting an evaluation of the support to abattoirs provided via the current discount scheme which is in its tenth financial year of operation. The FSA Board reviewed progress at its public meeting on 18 June, informed by a paper prepared in the light of stakeholder engagement and economic analysis. The Board noted the importance of the discount to the viability of small abattoirs and how these businesses can support the interests of consumers, businesses and the wider rural economy. The FSA will continue engagement with stakeholders and assess the impact of any proposals for change arising from the evaluation. The paper and a video of the Board meeting can be viewed at:

https://www.food.gov.uk/board-papers/fsa-board-meeting-june-2025-agenda-and-papers

https://www.food.gov.uk/about-us/fsa-board-meetings#video-of-the-most-recent-fsa-board-meetings
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of the proportion of soil carbon stored within national landscapes. \p Mary Creagh: Natural England estimates that 649,485,339 tonnes of carbon are stored below ground in National Landscapes. Source – Spatial Prioritisation of Below Ground Carbon Storage 2023 (England) | Natural England Open Data Geoportal.
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Irene Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to introduce mandatory method-of-production labelling for animal products. \p Daniel Zeichner: On 12 June 2025, we published the summary of responses and the Government response to the fairer food labelling consultation, which was undertaken last year by the previous Government. The response is available here on GOV.UK.

We will consider the potential role of method of production labelling reform as part of the ongoing development of the Government’s animal welfare strategy.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help support the (a) development and (b) deployment of (i) robotic and (ii) automated fruit-picking technologies. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government recognises that automation in horticulture (including robotic and automated fruit picking technologies) is a highly productive and valuable component of our wider agricultural system.

Defra is supporting the development and deployment of robotic and automated fruit-picking technologies through targeted investment with the Farming Innovation Programme of £15 million into the development of horticultural robotics, automation and engineering innovation to date.

Furthermore, the Government has allocated at least £200 million to the Farming Innovation Programme until 2030, which will continue to enable agri-tech innovation and growth, including technologies that will benefit the horticultural sector.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Environment Agency on the potential impact of storm overflow discharge into the River Great Ouse on levels of water cleanliness, in the context of low river levels caused by a lack of rainfall. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is committed to taking a systematic approach to improving drainage and wastewater systems. This means looking at how these systems affect the environment, local communities, and other key priorities like flood prevention, economic growth, and urban development. Through this, we can ensure policies and services work better together to deliver real benefits for people and nature.

Through our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act, we will drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry as a first important step in enabling wider, transformative change across the water sector.

Anglian Water has AMP8 obligations to reduce overflows, with investigations in Huntingdon, Offord Cluny, and St Ives. In Ramsey, Anglian have committed to reducing overflows to protect the environment. Full details of obligations are in the Water Industry National Environment Programme, downloadable via PR24 Water Industry National Environment Programme.
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Andrew Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to provide financial support for the delivery of long-term sustainable drainage systems. \p Emma Hardy: The revised National Planning Policy Framework we published on 12 December 2024 amended an existing paragraph regarding incorporating sustainable drainage systems in new development to make clear that developments of all sizes are expected to make use of sustainable drainage techniques where the development could have drainage impacts.

National Planning Guidance is clear that local authorities should be satisfied that all Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) have clear maintenance and adoption arrangements in place for the lifetime of a development; however, the cost of delivery of SuDS would be covered by the developer.
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Mims Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps has he taken to reduce regulations on (a) small-scale abattoirs and (b) other rural food producers in Sussex. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra is working closely with industry stakeholders and the Food Standards Agency to maintain high standards of public and animal health while identifying opportunities to ease regulatory and administrative burdens on small-scale abattoirs and rural food producers, including those in Sussex.
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UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_88

Satvir Kaur:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to build flood defence capabilities in Southampton Test constituency. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) and Southampton City Council (SCC) have developed proposals for a flood defence scheme on the western bank of the lower River Itchen. This proposal will need approximately £100 million to be progressed. Although some Flood Risk Management Grant funding is available, the scheme will not progress unless further investment can be identified. The EA will review the status of the scheme, to see if the funding situation has changed, after the current Government consultation on flood defence funding for England has concluded and is implemented from April 2026.

Alongside SCC’s Renaissance Vision, the EA will continue to support the Authority in developing suitable flood defence projects. The existing Southampton Coastal Strategy will be reviewed alongside revised flood model data by 2028 which will better identify future flood risk needs to support a growing and thriving city.

Flood defence funding has previously been invested in property flood resilience to 55 properties in the St Denys area and for a Southampton schools surface water resilience study.
wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_89
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_89

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of agricultural automation technologies on the future resilience of the fruit and horticulture sector. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government recognises that accelerating the application of automation in horticulture is key to delivering growth, sustainability and resilience. Increasing the application of automation in priority farming sectors such as horticulture is a key objective for Agri-Tech within the Government’s Industrial Strategy Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan. Automation would also have the potential to reduce (though not eliminate) reliance on seasonal migrant labour. As part of the Industrial Strategy, this Government has allocated at least £200 million to the Farming Innovation Programme until 2030, which will continue to enable agri-tech innovation and growth. This includes research and development into the applications of automation in the horticulture sector.

Defra has reviewed the role of automation in horticulture. It found that a range of new innovations and technologies, including automation, could boost productivity and resilience, but barriers like cost and access to funding remain.
wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_90
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_90

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 22 July 2025 to Question 67577 on Dangerous Dogs: Lancashire, what steps his Department is taking to help reduce instances of dog attacks. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra is working with the police, local authorities and animal welfare groups to encourage responsible dog ownership, to ensure dog control issues are addressed before they escalate and to make sure the full force of the law is applied. As part of this work, we have reconvened the Responsible Dog Ownership taskforce to explore measures to promote responsible ownership across all breeds of dog. We look forward to receiving the findings and recommendations from the taskforce in due course.
wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_91
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_91

Andrew Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of enacting Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 on the (a) uptake and (b) effectiveness of sustainable drainage systems on new developments. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is strongly committed to improving the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and we are looking at what additional steps might be taken to support this.

We have made some immediate changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to support increased delivery of SuDS. The NPPF now requires all development to utilise SuDS where they could have drainage impacts. These systems should be appropriate to the nature and scale of the proposed development. See paragraphs 181 and 182 of the NPPF.
wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_92
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_92

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of National Landscapes in protecting rare (a) habitats and (b) species. \p Mary Creagh: National Landscapes are home to some of our most important habitats and species and taking action in these places will be crucial if we are to meet our Environmental Improvement Plan targets for nature’s recovery.

We have recently published the Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework Progress Report which details progress towards our national targets for nature recovery being made in our National Landscapes and National Parks. This is the first report on progress towards the targets set in the Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework.
wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_93
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_93

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to prevent supermarkets from cancelling orders from vertical farms at short notice. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government is committed to tackling unfairness in the supply chain wherever it exists, which includes practices such as cancelling orders at short notice. Using the 'Fair Dealings' powers in the Agriculture Act 2020 we can introduce regulations to increase transparency and protect growers, including those with vertical horticulture systems, from unfair commercial practices.

We are already making progress on developing ‘Fair Dealing’ regulations for the fresh produce sector, which will cover growers that sell directly to retail. These regulations could require that contracts include clear rules on notice periods, fair termination clauses and processes for changing agreed terms.
wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_94
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_94

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of levels of resourcing for Border Force on food security. \p Daniel Zeichner: Border Force’s resources are continually assessed to balance all pressures. Resources are deployed dynamically through intelligence and data to intervene any potential threats.

Defra works with industry and across Government to monitor risks that may arise. This includes extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply chains.
wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_95
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_95

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 July 2025 to Question 64498 on Waste Disposal: Fixed Penalties, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his Department's policies of instances of local authorities using fly-tipping powers to fine households for breaches of waste receptacle offences that would not permit a waste receptacle fine under the harm to local amenity test. \p Mary Creagh: This Government has not made an assessment of the potential implications for the department’s policies of instances of local authorities using fly-tipping powers to fine households for breaches of waste receptacle offences that would not permit a waste receptacle fine under the harm to local amenity test.

The principles of the Regulators Code apply to enforcement action carried out by local authorities. This includes that regulatory activity should be carried out in a way which is proportionate, transparent, accountable and consistent.

We are seeking powers in the Crime and Policing Bill to provide statutory fly-tipping enforcement guidance to support councils to consistently, appropriately and effectively exercise existing enforcement powers.
wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_96
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_96

Johanna Baxter:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when his Department plans to publish the animal welfare strategy. \p Daniel Zeichner: This Government was elected on a mandate to improve animal welfare. The Prime Minister announced that we will be publishing an animal welfare strategy later this year.
wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_97
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_97

Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to stop promotion by UK-based companies of overseas venues that use abusive practices against animals for entertainment. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra is continuing to engage with stakeholders including the tourism industry and animal welfare groups to explore both legislative and non-legislative options to stop the advertising and offering of sale in England and Northern Ireland, of low-welfare animal activities abroad.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_98

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of mandatory animal welfare labelling for products from pasture-fed livestock on (a) farmers and (b) consumers. \p Daniel Zeichner: On 12 June 2025, we published the summary of responses and the Government response to the fairer food labelling consultation, which was undertaken last year by the previous government. The response is available here on GOV.UK.

We will consider the potential role of method of production labelling reform as part of the ongoing development of the Government’s animal welfare strategy.
wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_99
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_99

Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has allocated funding to (a) local authorities and (b) other responsible organisations to (i) maintain and (ii) improve rural walking paths. \p Mary Creagh: The Government recognises the vital role that public rights of way play in promoting access to nature, encouraging active travel, and supporting community wellbeing. Responsibility for managing and maintaining these routes lies with local highway authorities, who must ensure that paths are clear of obstructions and accessible to all users.

Each authority is required to maintain a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP), which outlines their strategy for enhancing the local rights of way network. These plans include assessments of the network’s current condition and are made publicly available on the authority’s website. ROWIPs serve as valuable tools for identifying local needs and priorities, including opportunities to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, families, and underrepresented groups.

Local authorities are uniquely positioned to understand the specific needs of their communities and to allocate resources effectively. Their local insight ensures that improvements to the rights of way network are both targeted and impactful.

The Government continues to collaborate with partners to support responsible access and promote inclusive enjoyment of the natural environment.
wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_100
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-02 conversation_100

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to prevent supermarkets from being able to cancel orders from vertical farms at short notice. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government is committed to tackling unfairness in the supply chain wherever it exists, which includes practices such as cancelling orders at short notice. Using the 'Fair Dealings' powers in the Agriculture Act 2020 we can introduce regulations to increase transparency and protect growers, including those with vertical horticulture systems, from unfair commercial practices.

We are already making progress on developing ‘Fair Dealing’ regulations for the fresh produce sector, which will cover growers that sell directly to retail. These regulations could require that contracts include clear rules on notice periods, fair termination clauses and processes for changing agreed terms.