theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many Environment Agency staff worked on compliance with requirements for office workplace recycling in the most recent period for which data is available. \p Emma Hardy: The corporate estate of the Environment Agency (EA), including offices and depots, is centrally managed by Defra. Many of the EA’s workplaces are shared spaces across the Defra group as a result. Defra group Facilities Management are specifically responsible for all workplace services across the group, which includes workplace recycling.
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Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 31 October 2024 to Question 10799 on Meat: Smuggling, how much illegal meat was seized (a) from 11 October 2024 to 31 December 2024 and (b) in 2025. \p Daniel Zeichner: Illegal meat seized figures captured as part of Defra's African Swine Fever Programme:
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support has been provided to farmers in Fylde constituency under Environmental Land Management schemes since January 2024. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government is providing a record level of funding for the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes as part of the £5 billion it has secured over the 24/25 and 25/26 financial years for farmers across England, including Fylde.

Since 1 January 2024, the Rural Payments Agency has issued payments totalling £2,277,556 to farmers in the Fylde constituency under the ELM schemes.
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Sir Alec Shelbrooke:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 May 2025 to Question 52615 on Agriculture: Finance, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of not including goats in the eligibility criteria for the Animal Health and Welfare grant in the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025 on goat farmers. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Animal Health and Welfare grant scheme is part of the broader Animal Health and Welfare Pathway (the Pathway), which remains focused on the most commonly farmed species: pigs, dairy cows, beef cattle, laying hens, broiler chickens and sheep. This approach was co-designed with industry, non-government organisations and welfare scientists, and has shaped the development of the support offered, including the scope and items list for the grant. There are currently no plans to make an assessment of the impact of not including goats in the eligibility criteria as they are not one of the most commonly farmed species.

The Department remains committed to working collaboratively with industry to ensure that grants are targeted towards those who need them most and where they can deliver the most benefit for food security, animal health and welfare, and nature.
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Greg Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the ecological vulnerability of chalk stream habitats; and whether his Department plans to develop a national strategy for their (a) protection and (b) restoration. \p Emma Hardy: Cleaning up our waters, including iconic sites such as chalk streams is a top government priority. That is why on 23 October 2024, the Secretary of State announced the launch of an independent commission to fundamentally transform how our water system works.

Fixing the systemic issues in the water system is essential to address the multiple pressures facing chalk streams, namely over abstraction, phosphorous pollution and physical modifications of habitats. Restoring our chalk streams to better ecological health is part of our overall programme of reforms for the water sector.

Alongside this, we are continuing to direct investment to projects that will improve chalk streams. Through the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP), over 1000 improvement projects are planned within chalk stream catchments between 2024-2029.
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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Extended Producer Responsibility measures in relation to glass on the cost of a (a) bottled beer and (b) pint of beer in a pub. \p Mary Creagh: In October 2024, the Government published an updated assessment of the impact of introducing the pEPR scheme on packaging producers as a whole. This impact assessment did not split the assessment by sector.

On 20 December 2024 Defra published the third version of pEPR illustrative base fees for year 1 ahead of PackUK releasing formal communications in June 2025. Base fees, to invoice producers from October 2025, are expected to be calculated in June 2025 using data reported by producers for the full year of 2024. Fees will apply to bottled beer, but not a pint of beer served in a pub as this is served without packaging.

The Government has worked closely with industry, including the glass sector, throughout development of pEPR and developing the methodology for base fees. Feedback from stakeholders was factored into finalising the regulations, including formally consulting stakeholders on a draft of the pEPR regulations in 2023.
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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to ensure that food producers are not undercut by imports produced to lower standards. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government shares the public’s high regard for the UK’s environmental protections, food standards and animal welfare. We recognise farmers’ concerns about imports produced using methods not permitted in the UK. We have been clear that we will use our Trade Strategy to promote the highest food production standards. We will protect farmers from being undercut by low welfare and low standards in trade deals.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support his Department is providing to farmers and agricultural businesses in (a) Fylde, (b) Lancashire and (c) the North West impacted by the drought conditions. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) in the North West is meeting regularly with the National Farmers Union, in relation to the water situation (most recently last week). The EA released an updated Area Irrigation Prospect Report to inform the agriculture community of the current water resources situation to help farmers plan their water needs for the summer.

The prospects for water resources irrigation availability in Cumbria and Lancashire are currently moderate, meaning controls on abstractions are possible. Abstractors must operate in accordance with licence conditions issued, an important mechanism to protect water rights. There are currently no concerns regarding irrigation from groundwater.

Defra recognises the need to support water resources resilience of the agricultural sector. Government have funded Water Resources West to help create Water Abstractor Groups (WAG), which work collaboratively to find water resources solutions. The government are funding Local Resource Option screening studies, with the latest funding launched on 4 June, supporting farmers to collaborate on water resources resilience. Studies will assess shared options such as multi-farm reservoirs, water trading, or rainwater harvesting for the farmer groups, enabling future delivery.
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Jack Rankin:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on implementing Schedule 3 of the Water and Flood Management Act 2010. \p Emma Hardy: The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues.

The Government is strongly committed to requiring standardised Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in new developments. These should be to designs that cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits, offer reuse opportunities, reduce run off and help to improve water quality, amenity, and biodiversity. It is also important to ensure appropriate adoption and maintenance arrangements are in place.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the Protected Landscapes programme in helping to protect communities from flooding. \p Daniel Zeichner: The impact of flooding across England’s 44 Protected Landscapes varies according to their local context and geographies. Work undertaken by Protected Landscape organisations makes a valuable contribution to protecting communities from flooding. The Protected Landscape Targets and Outcomes Framework sets out how Protected Landscapes will deliver a proportionally bigger contribution to national environmental targets than other areas. For example, approximately 130,000 hectares of peat will be restored in Protected Landscapes by 2050 which is 60% of the national target. This will enhance natural flood management.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of drought on the economy of the North West; and what steps he is taking to help mitigate that impact. \p Emma Hardy: We are taking action to mitigate the impacts by:
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support dairy farmers in North Shropshire constituency. \p Daniel Zeichner: This Government recognises that food security is national security, and that it requires a resilient and healthy food system that works with nature and supports farmers. That is why we are introducing new deals for farmers to boost rural economic growth and strengthen food security.

Ensuring fairness in supply chains is key for UK dairy farmers in supporting the sustainability of the sector. The Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 apply to new dairy contracts from 9 July 2024 and all dairy contracts from 9 July 2025. These regulations improve fairness and transparency, requiring clear terms on pricing, termination, and prohibiting unilateral changes.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will ensure that the Spending Review recognises the contribution of the nature friendly farming budget in (a) supporting farmers, (b) restoring nature and (c) tackling climate change. \p Daniel Zeichner: We recognise the huge importance of nature friendly farming, and we will look to maintain momentum in the coming years. The budgets for which will be set in the Spending Review.
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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the condition of the River Welland in Lincolnshire. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) inspects the River Welland every year to check for any visible problems with its structures and embankments. In 2022, they also surveyed the river to check for silt build-up and see if extra maintenance was needed. While some silt was found, it wasn’t enough to cause concern compared to other narrow parts of the river, such as bridges. The EA also reviewed how they maintain the Cradge Bank, which is part of the river. As a result, they plan to do more maintenance there to improve grass growth as healthy grass helps prevent the bank from failing.
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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to help improve the (a) recording and (b) traceability of farm animals through the Livestock Information Service. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government’s ambition is to achieve a comprehensive, multispecies Livestock Information Service, allowing disease to be identified and controlled more effectively, helping to meet our key priority of supporting farmers to boost our food security.

Through its Livestock Information Transformation Programme (LITP), Defra will replace existing livestock traceability systems across England, enhancing digitisation of livestock movement reporting, reducing paper use, and introducing electronic cattle tagging by 2027. It will deliver near real-time, accurate data to improve traceability, accelerate disease response, and better protect public and animal health.

We are working with the devolved Governments to ensure that similar changes being made in Scotland and Wales work together effectively across Great Britain.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to engage with local communities impacted by drought. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) has been working to ensure that United Utilities follows its drought plan, as agreed by Defra Secretary of State, including its communications with the public / customers and ensuring the company engaged with local partners via Local Resilience Forums.

The EA has contacted all the MPs in Cumbria and Lancashire on two occasions. The first on 13 May 2025 gave an initial update about the prolonged dry weather and MPs were advised on the actions the EA were taking. The EA updated MPs on 30 May 2025 to advise that the northwest was now in drought status.

The EA has put out regular messages on social media to provide updates of the current drought situation. The EA has also carried out media interviews and provided statements to the press for any questions they had.

Last week the EA issued a press release which was uploaded to gov.uk about the current dry weather / drought situation.

The EA has been in regular liaison with the NFU, Canal & Rivers Trust and Fishery owners to gather intelligence on impacts, provide advice and guidance and confirm approach to regulation of licensed abstractions.
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Jack Rankin:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Government’s housebuilding target on funding for flood defences after 2026. \p Emma Hardy: We are investing a record £2.65 billion over two years to March 2026. We’ll maintain the highest levels of flood protection, taking decisive action to fix our broken planning system and deliver 1.5 million homes through our Plan for Change. Funding decisions for after 2026 will be made at the Spending Review.
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Navendu Mishra:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential (a) impact of the AUK1 specification for toilet backflow protection on the quality of drinking water and (b) merits of formally adopting the new AUK4 standard. \p Emma Hardy: Under the previous Government, a small number of cases of contamination of drinking water have been discovered in which water from toilet cisterns re-entered (or backflowed into) a building’s drinking water system. The water industry and the Bathroom Manufacturers Association set up a task and finish group to identify the issues, review relevant technical specifications, and suggest solutions. Defra considered the proposals and consulted on amendments (which include a new AUK4 specification).

We are finalising the summary of responses from the consultation and the government response to them and will consider approval of the new and updated specifications in due course.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of penalties for fly-tipping in deterring repeat offences. \p Mary Creagh: This Government has not made an assessment of the effectiveness of penalties for fly-tipping in deterring repeat offences.

We have committed to forcing fly-tippers to clean up the mess they have created. This will build on the sanctions already available which include fixed penalty notices of up to £1000, seizing and crushing of vehicles involved in fly-tipping and prosecution which can lead to a significant fine, a community sentence or even imprisonment.

Defra chaired National Fly-tipping Prevention Group has produced a guide on how local authorities, and others, can present robust cases to court. This is available at https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/national-fly-tipping-prevention-group.

We encourage councils to make good use of their enforcement powers, and we are currently seeking powers to provide statutory guidance on fly-tipping enforcement. We have also announced a review of council powers to seize and crush the vehicles of fly-tippers, to identify how we could help councils make better use of this tool.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support local authorities in tackling fly-tipping in the West Midlands. \p Mary Creagh: Fly-tipping is a serious crime which blights local communities and the environment.

Local authorities have a range of enforcement powers to help them tackle fly-tipping including fixed penalty notices of up to £1000, seizing and crushing of vehicles and prosecution action which can lead to a significant fine or even imprisonment. We encourage councils to make good use of their enforcement powers and are taking steps to develop new guidance to support them to consistently, appropriately and effectively exercise these existing powers.  We have also announced a review of council powers to seize and crush the vehicles of fly-tippers, to identify how we could help councils make better use of this tool.

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

In the meantime, Defra continue to chair the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group through which we work with a wide range of stakeholders, such as local authorities and the Environment Agency, to share good practice on preventing fly-tipping. Various practical tools are available from their webpage which is available at: https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/national-fly-tipping-prevention-group.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of wildlife management and protection legislation in relation to (a) the number and (b) nature of (i) reported offences and (ii) successful prosecutions for wildlife crime. \p Mary Creagh: Wildlife crime is abhorrent, and significant sanctions are already available for judges to hand down to those convicted of such crimes. Anyone who commits an offence under existing legislation can face up to a six-month custodial sentence and/or an unlimited fine. The Government’s view is that where any wild animal is killed illegally the full force of the law should apply to proven perpetrators of the crime.

One obvious difficulty for reporting wildlife crimes and successfully bringing prosecutions is they often occur in remote areas of our countryside so there may not be a witness. Defra also recognises the view of many stakeholders that the complexity and disparate nature of wildlife legislation is a factor in the challenges experienced in successfully prosecuting wildlife offences. While we have no specific plans currently, we will continue to seek opportunities to consolidate legislation to achieve more consistency and clarity. In the meantime, Defra supports the valuable work of the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU). It is a principal funder of the Unit which helps prevent and detect wildlife crime by obtaining and disseminating intelligence, undertaking analysis, and directly assisting law enforcers in their investigations.
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Jack Rankin:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when his Department plans to publish a consultation on the funding formula for flood defences. \p Emma Hardy: The Government launched a consultation on 3 June on proposals to reform the way we fund flood and coastal defences. Our proposals will help ensure funding is distributed more effectively across the country – protecting properties across all communities including in rural, coastal and poorer areas.

The consultation also includes a call for evidence on alternative sources of funding to enable Government funding to go further and opportunities for English devolution to support flood risk management.
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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential contribution of silvopastoral systems and holistic planned grazing practices to carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement. \p Daniel Zeichner: All prospective Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme offers were assessed for their potential impact against a range of environmental and cultural services, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity indicators. The assessment was based on a combination of expert opinion and rapid evidence reviews and is now published.

In addition, we have modelled the impact of different densities and tree species suitable for silvo-pastoral systems on carbon sequestration and a limited set of species indicators. These models have given us the capability to assess the potential impact of Environmental Land Management offers.

With over 38,000 live Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) agreements, the SFI offers a wide range of actions for the management of grassland, including herbal leys, legumes in grassland and management of grassland with very low nutrient inputs. The Sustainable Farming Incentive also includes actions for planning soil, nutrient and integrated pest management, which help farmers to choose the most appropriate practices for their farm.
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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) capacity and (b) capability of the Animal and Plant Health Agency to respond to a major outbreak of exotic animal disease. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) leads Government action on animal disease control and has outbreak response plans in place. These include measures to contract companies to support eradication and cover such matters as the deployment of non-Government vets and experts in culling and disposal. APHA also work closely with other agencies from within the Defra group to provide additional capacity.

Response capabilities are kept under regular review and appropriate action initiated where additional operational support is required, including the potential to make a request for assistance under the military aid to the civil authorities (MACA) process.

Additionally, to safeguard and enhance the internationally recognised position of the APHA Weybridge laboratory as a hub of scientific excellence for high-risk animal diseases, £208 million of funding for the next stage of the laboratory’s redevelopment up to 2026 has been approved.
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John Whitby:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to promote (a) shorter and (b) more sustainable food supply networks in rural areas. \p Daniel Zeichner: This Government is committed to improving the quality of life for people living and working in rural areas, so that we can realise the full potential of rural business and communities. The United Kingdom Food Security Report 2024 shows that people living in rural areas are more likely to have to travel further to access facilities such as food stores.

The food strategy will articulate the outcomes we want from the food system, enabling government, civil society, and the food supply chain to work towards a healthier, fairer, more sustainable and more resilient 21st century food system. We will be considering the role of place-based initiatives, including Local Food Partnerships, as we develop the food strategy.
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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help increase the number of veterinary professionals in the farming sector; and what plans he has to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 to enable more use of paraprofessionals. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra is exploring various avenues to improve the short- and long-term capacity issues in the veterinary sector. We have engagement with the veterinary profession and other relevant stakeholders, including veterinary schools and government organisations to work together to find sustainable solutions, ensuring the ongoing provision of high-quality veterinary surgeons both in the private and public sectors.

The Government is also engaged with the veterinary profession and stakeholders to review opportunities for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA), including the role of allied professionals.
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Ian Byrne:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of bringing water companies into public ownership on (a) bills and (b) infrastructure investment. \p Emma Hardy: Independent research commissioned by the Consumer Council for Water found substantial change to the industry and company ownership would not address the main problems experienced. Nationalising a water company would cost billions of pounds, and it would take years to unpick the current ownership model. It would frankly slow down our reforms, leave the sewage pollution only to get worse and stall much needed investment.

The Independent Water Commission is looking at the ownership, governance, and management of private water companies and whether more needs to be done to support transparency and accountability, which could include stronger duties for management. Further recommendations will follow in the final report.
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Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to implement the judgement in Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs v Pickering Fishery Association [2025] EWCA Civ 378. \p Emma Hardy: I refer the Member for North Herefordshire to the Minister’s written statement of 6 May 2025.
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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has considered introducing a centrally-funded veterinary surveillance scheme to support early detection of animal disease. \p Daniel Zeichner: Our existing animal health surveillance arrangements are robust and we monitor for new and emerging threats to our biosecurity through our Veterinary Risk Group (VRG) and the Human and Animal Infections Risk Surveillance (HAIRS) Group. We are not considering a new centrally funded veterinary surveillance scheme at this time, outside of those for specific diseases where reasons for government intervention have been identified. However, the scope of our veterinary surveillance schemes are kept under regular review by the United Kingdom Surveillance Forum (UKSF)

Keepers, vets in practice and farmers have a crucial role in surveillance as the 'eyes and ears' of animal health and welfare, investigating herd and flock health and production problems on a daily basis across the country. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) leads government action on animal disease. In addition to APHA’s work to monitor and respond to reports of notifiable disease in animals, APHA offers services to vets and animal keepers on behalf of Defra through a national network of Veterinary Investigation Centres (VICs), which can provide diagnostic tests, post-mortem examinations and advice from their resident veterinary investigation officers and through surveillance pathology partners, independent institutions which also offer subsidised post-mortem examinations.
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Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to improve the delivery of public services in rural areas. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government believes that it is important that rural communities have the opportunity to help shape decisions that affect them. As rural affairs lead, Defra continues to encourage all Government Departments to rural proof their policies, including engaging rural stakeholders in their public consultations and engagement processes. Defra also facilitates engagement with rural people and businesses via its Rural Insights Forum. The forum is a group of stakeholders that represent rural communities.Rural representatives and sector specific experts are also engaged with Defra’s Rural Taskforce, which is considering the value and contribution of rural communities and businesses in achieving the Government’s priorities.
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Vikki Slade:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure that the proposed UK-EU common veterinary agreement would allow the UK to ban the importation of foie gras produced by force-feeding. \p Daniel Zeichner: The details of the Agreement are subject to negotiation, but the Government has been clear with the EU about the importance of being able to set high animal welfare standards.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2025 to Question 54446 on Environmental Land Management Schemes: Lancashire, what steps his Department plans to take to help ensure that the re-opening of capital grants in summer 2025 is (a) accessible and (b) equitable to (i) smaller farms and (ii) new entrants. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra will introduce maximum grant thresholds for 4 groups of capital items in the standalone capital offer, from summer 2025.

The limits will be:

These limits increase funding availability for smaller applications. All farmers/land managers are able to apply for the funding later in the Summer of 2025, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria which will be set out in the guidance.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help support businesses affected by the drought announced on 29 May 2025. \p Emma Hardy: The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues.

Defra requires water companies to have robust plans to manage droughts and protect customer supplies. This includes early actions such as enhanced leakage management, appropriate balancing of supplies, and effective communications to enable customers to use water wisely.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to update the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government published new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain on 24 May 2025. The Standards will come into force from May 2027 and will replace the current 2012 Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. The new Standards reflect the latest in best practice for keeping wild animals in zoos and aquariums.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_336

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of updates to the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain on animal welfare standards at zoos. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government published new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain on 24 May 2025. The Standards will come into force from May 2027 and will replace the current 2012 Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. The new Standards reflect the latest in best practice for keeping wild animals in zoos and aquariums.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_337

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of streamlining the visa processes for overseas-qualified dentists seeking to work in the UK. \p Seema Malhotra: Dentists are eligible for the Health and Care visa. They usually receive a decision within 3 weeks and have a dedicated UKVI team that assists them with the application process.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_338

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to retain police officers in Nottinghamshire. \p Dame Diana Johnson: The retention of police officers is a priority for the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs Council. Voluntary resignation rates in England and Wales, at 3.4%, are low compared to other sectors. Experienced officers are incredibly valuable which is why forces should be using evidence-based strategies to manage the retention and progression of officers. Retention activity is supported by the College of Policing which provides a learning platform to all forces that contains insights and guidance, themed around attraction, recruitment, onboarding and retention.

In 2025-26, overall funding for policing will total up to £19.6 billion, an increase of up to £1.2 billion when compared to the 2024-25 police settlement. Nottinghamshire Police will receive up to £301.6 million in funding in 2025-26, an increase of up to £18.0 million when compared to the 2024-25 police settlement equating to a 6.4% cash increase.

Of this, as part of the Officer Maintenance Ringfenced Grant, £376.8 million will be available to forces to maintain officer numbers at expected levels. Nottinghamshire Police has been allocated up to £6.2 million for maintaining a headcount of 2,408 officers.

As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Grant, £200 million will be available to forces in 2025/26 to support the Government’s commitment in delivering 13,000 additional personnel into neighbourhood policing teams by the end of this parliament. Nottinghamshire Police has been allocated £3.6 million for an increase of 30 police officers, 20 PCSOs and 20 Special Constables.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_339

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2025 to Question 28628 on Emergency Services: Medals, what progress she has made on considering proposals for new awards for members of the emergency services injured in service. \p Dame Diana Johnson: The Home Office continues to work on this proposal with relevant stakeholders, including other government departments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_340

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to reduce antisocial behaviour in town centres in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire. \p Dame Diana Johnson: Tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and the harm it causes is a top priority for this Government and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission. As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Grant, £200 million has been allocated to forces for 2025/26 to support the Government’s commitment to deliver an additional personnel into neighbourhood policing . Lancashire Constabulary has been allocated £5,090,296 and will deliver an increase of 53 police officers and 30 PCSOs by 31 March 2026.

​These officers will be equipped with tougher powers, such as the Respect Order, which was introduced in the Crime and Policing Bill, to crack down on persistent anti-social behaviour and crimes blighting our high streets and town centres. Other measures in the Bill include enhancing the powers for the police to seize nuisance off-road bikes, and other vehicles which are being used in an anti-social manner, without having to first give a warning to the offender.

The Home Office is also providing £66.3 million funding in 2025-26 to forces in England and Wales to deliver high visibility patrols in the areas worst affected by knife crime, serious violence and anti-social behaviour. Lancashire Police will receive £1,713,512 of this funding.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_341

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment has she made of the potential impact of money laundering by Turkish barber shops on (a) the community and (b) the wider economy. \p Dan Jarvis: Money laundering not only enables serious and organised crime and national security threats but impacts our communities by drawing people into crime, gangs, and exploitation. It also undermines the integrity of our financial system and impacts on economic prosperity and growth. Driving it down is an important part of this Government’s key missions to deliver safer streets and economic growth.

We know that cash intensive businesses such as barber shops can be exploited by criminals who seek to launder their cash enabling them to profit from their illegal activities. Addressing cash-based money laundering is therefore one of the strategic priorities of the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC), which sits within the National Crime Agency. In March, the NECC coordinated a three-week crackdown against barbershops and other cash intensive business across England and Wales involving 19 different police forces and Regional Organised Crime Units, as well as national agencies including HMRC, Trading Standards and Home Office Immigration Enforcement. In total, 380 premises were visited across the three-week operation, with officers securing freezing orders over bank accounts totalling more than £1m, executing 84 warrants and arresting 35 individuals. Officers also seized more than £40,000 in cash, 200,000 cigarettes, 7,000 packs of tobacco, over 8,000 illegal vapes and two vehicles.

This is the first phase of targeted action against criminals and organised crime groups who use high-street businesses to launder criminal monies, and the NECC is committed to continue working with Policing and partners to reduce this threat.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_342

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what mechanisms are in place to assess the effectiveness of the Hotspot Action Fund in reducing (a) anti-social behaviour and (b) serious violence. \p Dame Diana Johnson: The Hot Spot Action Fund for 25/26 is being evaluated for effectiveness using the same approach as for hot spot policing programmes funded by the Home Office since 21/22.

Details of the evaluation method along with previous results can be found within published reports on the Home Office research section of the GOV.UK website. including impact on anti-social behaviour) and to be published in 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_343

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions has she had with retail industry representatives on the (a) design and (b) implementation of the training funded through the National Police Chiefs' Council. \p Dame Diana Johnson: We are providing over £7 million over the next three years to support the police tackle retail crime, including continuing to fund a specialist policing team – in partnership with the retail sector - to better understand the tactics used by organised retail crime gangs and identify more offenders.

We work closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the College of Policing and the retail industry on the design of training funded by the Home Office, to ensure it delivers what is needed to help prevent and tackle crime and is an appropriate use of public money.

Furthermore, I am committed to chairing the Retail Crime Forum which brings together the retail sector, security providers and law enforcement agencies to ensure we understand the needs of all retailers and to promote collaboration, share best practice and to work collectively to tackle the serious issue of retail crime. This includes the development of a new strategy to tackle shop theft published by policing, retail sector representatives and industry as part of collective efforts to combat shop theft – Tackling Retail Crime Together.

The strategy builds on previous progress made by police and retailers but provides a more comprehensive and intelligence-led approach to tackle all perpetrators of shop theft – not just organised criminal gangs.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council have an operational Retail Crime Action Plan, which has been in place since October 2023. This plan contains a commitment for police across England and Wales to prioritise attendance at the scene where violence has been used towards shop staff, where an offender has been detained by store security, and where evidence needs to be secured and can only be done by police personnel.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_344

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps has she taken with the relevant authorities to reduce car and other road vehicle theft in Lincolnshire. \p Dame Diana Johnson: This Government is determined to drive down vehicle crime and we are working with the automotive industry and police, including working closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on the issue, to ensure the strongest response possible. I have recently met the NPCC vehicle crime lead, ACC Jenny Sims, as well as other law enforcement representatives and representatives from industry, to discuss how we work together to tackle these damaging crimes.

Working with the recently established National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership and the police-led National Vehicle Crime Working Group, we are focusing on prevention and deterrence of theft of and from vehicles. This includes training police officers on the methods used to steal vehicles, encouraging vehicle owners to secure their vehicles, and working with industry to address vulnerabilities in vehicles.

We are adding to the armoury the police have to drive down vehicle theft. In the Crime and Policing Bill we have banned electronic devices used to steal vehicles, empowering the police and courts to target the criminals using, manufacturing and supplying them. This will support the changes manufacturers continue to make to make their vehicles as secure as possible.

In addition, we provided £250,000 funding in the financial year 2024-25 to help support work at the ports to prevent stolen vehicles and vehicle parts being shipped abroad, including providing additional staff and specialist equipment.