Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the the potential benefits of introducing an initiative to provide livestock farmers with practical guidance on disease prevention and responsible antibiotic use.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra supports livestock farmers in England to improve disease prevention, biosecurity and the responsible use of antibiotics through existing initiatives, including the Animal Health and Welfare Review and the Poultry Biosecurity Review. The Department continues to assess the evidence on animal health and disease prevention to inform policy development.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what reason her Department is considering box-level Not for EU labelling of wine and spirits in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The UK is committed to full, faithful, and timely implementation of the Windsor Framework, including the 'Not for EU' labelling requirements of the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme. Defra continually reviews compliance with the Windsor Framework to ensure the UK meets its international obligations.

The Government is negotiating an SPS Agreement with the EU, the benefits of which will flow to movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This depends on the UK showing itself to be a trusted partner by continuing to faithfully implement its existing Windsor Framework commitments.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has undertaken an assessment of the resilience of agricultural water supplies during prolonged dry weather.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Environment Agency (EA) and Defra are holding monthly National Drought Group meetings gathering intelligence from the agriculture sector on water resilience. Supplies in irrigation reservoirs have rapidly declined following a dry spring and many are now at less than 50% capacity. Conditions on abstraction licences to protect the environment also reduce water availability where river flows are low.

The EA has downgraded its spray irrigation prospects forecast for farmers following the dry weather and deterioration in the water resources position. The EA’s irrigation prospect report includes support packages available for farmers to increase their resilience.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has held with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on online animal cruelty content since the publication of the Animal Sentience Committee’s October 2024 report.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra officials have engaged with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on online animal welfare content since the publication of the Animal Sentience Committee’s October 2024 report, including discussions on the implementation of animal cruelty measures contained in the Online Safety Act 2023.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with the Home Secretary on the cost of rural crime to farming businesses.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues.

The Government is committed to tackling rural crime and safeguarding rural communities. That is why we have worked closely with the Home Office and the National Police Chief’s Council to deliver their 2025-28 Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy which was published November 2025.

The strategy sets out operational and organisational policing priorities in respect of tackling crimes that predominantly affect rural communities. The strategy, lasting until 2028, will ensure efforts to reduce crime benefit every community no matter where they live, including rural communities.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department undertakes research or collects data on confidence among farmers and agricultural businesses.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra publishes various measures of farmer confidence, including a summary of free text comments by theme, collected via the Farmer Opinion Tracker. The latest results are published here and the next set of results will be available on the same page on 29 July 2026.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she plans to launch the consultation on phasing out farrowing crates for pigs; and what support she plans to make available to farmers to transition away from farrowing systems.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Bolton South and Walkden on 10 July 2026, PQ UIN 15938 and the answer given on 14 July 2026 to the hon. Member for North West Norfolk, PQ UIN 17025.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for her policies of the Court of Appeal ruling in December 2024 on the welfare of fast-growing chickens.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 14 July 2026 to the hon. Member for North Devon, PQ UIN 17121.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to monitor the potential impact of high ocean temperatures on marine biodiversity in UK waters.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is working with its agencies, the Met Office and research community to monitor and understand potential impacts of high ocean temperatures on marine biodiversity. Satellite observations and data from ships, buoys, floats and gliders are used to track marine heatwaves, forecast ocean temperature changes and model potential impacts on the health of our seas. Research is examining links between high temperatures and biodiversity, including shifts in fish and shellfish populations, damage to important habitats such as seagrass and kelp, and incidence of harmful algal blooms and marine life mortality events.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the recent heatwave in UK waters on marine species and habitats.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is working with its agencies, the Met Office and the research community to understand the potential impacts of marine heatwaves on marine species and habitats. This includes funding the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership and collecting reports of impacts to fisheries and marine biodiversity that may be linked to the recent heatwaves. The Department will use the 4th National Adaptation Plan to set out how the government will continue to manage the impacts of climate change in our seas, including marine heatwaves.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of Battersea’s new Cost of Cute campaign.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra recognises the importance of conformation and genetic health in dogs and cats and supports education of owners and breeders to promote responsible breeding.

As part of the Animal Welfare Strategy, this Government has committed to launch a consultation on dog breeding reform to improve the health and welfare of breeding dogs and their puppies. This Government has also committed to improve our understanding of the size, scale and current management practices related to cat breeding, drawing on expertise from the sector, and consider any further steps which may improve welfare practices in the cat breeding sector.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support the establishment of additional Agricultural Water Abstractor groups.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government continues to encourage the establishment and strengthening of Water Abstractor Groups (WAGs). These groups bring together abstractors within a catchment to share information, coordinate abstraction and increase agriculture’s input into local, regional and national planning, in particular informing regional water resources groups’ planning. Funding from Defra for the Regional Groups to improve agricultural water resources planning has helped increase the number of WAGs from 8 to 14, with a further three forecast for 2026/27.

Defra & the Environment Agency have supported the production of booklets on how to form WAGs.

Defra Farming are also offering a new Farming Collaboration fund which is open to new and existing groups for funding to support sharing expertise, stronger bargaining power and better business resilience all of which are shared aims of WAGs.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to expand the use of dynamic abstraction licensing to support water resource management across catchments.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is taking steps to move towards a more dynamic abstraction licensing system.

The Environment Agency (EA) supports innovative approaches to abstraction that ensure the rights of other abstractors are protected, while safeguarding the environment. Defra and the EA are facilitating an MHCLG Cambridge Growth funded trial of smart agricultural abstraction in East Anglia this year. The trial will use new technologies to monitor water flows and abstraction, maximising water availability. The EA are also developing digital systems to enable more responsive abstraction management. The Government plans to bring abstraction and impoundment regulation into the Environmental Permitting Regulations, providing a more flexible legislative framework.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the duration of abstraction licences for farms.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Time limits are a legislative requirement for abstraction licences. The Environment Agency (EA) issues licences with time limits from 6 to 18 years in line with its approach to managing water abstraction. Applicants can apply for a long duration licence for up to 24 years. The EA are reviewing the criteria to make it easier to apply for a long duration licence. The Government plans to move abstraction and impoundment regulation into the Environmental Permitting Regulations to improve how we use water resources; new permits will be issued without time limits.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans her Department has for future rounds of the Water Management Grant.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra recognises the importance of improving on farm water resilience and efficiency, particularly given the increasingly dry conditions. Defra officials are reviewing lessons from previous rounds of the Water Management Grant, drawing on stakeholder feedback and considering how any future offer might be streamlined. Future arrangements for the grant are being considered, any updates will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to help farmers diversify their income through nature-based solutions to environmental issues.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government is committed to supporting the growth of nature services markets, providing new ways for farmers to diversify revenue and increase business resilience. Opportunities for individual farms vary, depending on their farming system, local demand for nature services, and their appetite for diversification.

This Government does not have a quantified assessment of the cumulative revenue opportunities for carbon and nature markets by 2030 but is acting to increase demand. This includes extending mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, establishing the Nature Restoration Fund, and growing the role of nature-based solutions for the water system through reforms outlined in “A New Vision for Water”.

The Government’s £13m Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund supported more than 130 projects – many involving farmers – to attract private finance. The Government is also working with the British Standards Institution to outline clear standards, so farmers can take up market opportunities with confidence.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the revenue opportunity for the farming community from carbon and nature markets by 2030.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government is committed to supporting the growth of nature services markets, providing new ways for farmers to diversify revenue and increase business resilience. Opportunities for individual farms vary, depending on their farming system, local demand for nature services, and their appetite for diversification.

This Government does not have a quantified assessment of the cumulative revenue opportunities for carbon and nature markets by 2030 but is acting to increase demand. This includes extending mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, establishing the Nature Restoration Fund, and growing the role of nature-based solutions for the water system through reforms outlined in “A New Vision for Water”.

The Government’s £13m Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund supported more than 130 projects – many involving farmers – to attract private finance. The Government is also working with the British Standards Institution to outline clear standards, so farmers can take up market opportunities with confidence.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the "Made in the UK" requirements for single and multi-ingredient produce.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The fundamental principles of our food labelling rules are that information provided to the consumer must not mislead and must enable consumers to make informed decisions.

Country of origin information is required for fresh and frozen meat of beef cattle, sheep, goat, pigs and poultry, as well as uncut fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, olive oil, wine and some fish products. It is also required for all prepacked food where its omission would be misleading to consumers. In any case, where an indication of origin or provenance is given, either in words or pictures, this must be accurate.

Under existing rules, any food or food product that is not classed as UK origin cannot be presented (or implied e.g. using a Union flag) as being British. Food products manufactured in the UK are British products, many of which are well known British brands abroad. But if these contain a primary ingredient that is not British, then a British claim can only be made on the label if the label also highlights that the primary ingredient is not British.

Defra officials will continue to review the rules around origin labelling.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the UK's role in international efforts towards turtle conservation.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Through international agreements and fora, including the Convention on Migratory Species and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the UK supports coordinated action to protect marine turtles throughout their range.

The UK’s Biodiversity Challenge Funds also support international turtle conservation by funding projects that protect turtle populations and habitats while supporting local communities. Examples include projects to strengthen turtle conservation capacity in Indonesia, plastic waste management on Diego Garcia and work to reduce illegal capture and killing of threatened turtles in Bangladesh. These projects help build local conservation expertise, improve species protection and support sustainable management of marine ecosystems.

Additionally, programmes such as the FCDO’s Blue Belt Programme, supports vital turtle conservation efforts in the UK Overseas Territories, including specific research projects on Ascension Island, home to one of the largest green turtle colonies on earth.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her department is taking to aid international conservation efforts supporting turtle populations.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Through international agreements and fora, including the Convention on Migratory Species and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the UK supports coordinated action to protect marine turtles throughout their range.

The UK’s Biodiversity Challenge Funds also support international turtle conservation by funding projects that protect turtle populations and habitats while supporting local communities. Examples include projects to strengthen turtle conservation capacity in Indonesia, plastic waste management on Diego Garcia and work to reduce illegal capture and killing of threatened turtles in Bangladesh. These projects help build local conservation expertise, improve species protection and support sustainable management of marine ecosystems.

Additionally, programmes such as the FCDO’s Blue Belt Programme, supports vital turtle conservation efforts in the UK Overseas Territories, including specific research projects on Ascension Island, home to one of the largest green turtle colonies on earth.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to correspondence reference MC2026/09208/NA, what assessment he has made of the potential impact pEPR rules being for glass distributors on (a) costs to consumers and (b) levels of plastic packaging by those distributors.

Answered by Mary Creagh

The Government published its October 2024 assessment of the impact of introducing Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging. It assessed packaging producers as a whole, including consumer-price impacts, but did not assess glass distributors specifically. It estimated the overall inflationary impact to be small, with a central estimate of 0.07% on CPI.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of impacts on levels of plastic packaging used by glass distributors. From 2026, pEPR fees are modulated so less recyclable packaging incurs higher fees and more recyclable packaging lower fees. Defra continues to engage with industry stakeholders including the glass sector.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle the import of unethical fur products to Wales.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Animal Welfare Strategy set out actions which this Government is taking concerning the fur trade and Defra has now brought together a working group on fur, with involvement from both industry experts and those who support restrictions on the trade in fur, to explore concerns and the different ways in which they could be addressed. This Government will continue working closely with Devolved Governments to take coordinated action on animal welfare matters where appropriate.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support the safe storage and disposal of oil and gas assets removed following a change in heating technology, in the context of the aim to deploy 450,000 clean heating systems annually by 2030.

Answered by Mary Creagh

The Environment Agency does not oversee the deployment of clean heating systems. However, where oil tanks, boilers etc. are removed, waste producers and contractors must comply with their legal Waste Duty of Care and ensure waste is managed appropriately, including any hazardous wastes from decommissioning activities. Further information here Waste duty of care code of practice - GOV.UK and Dispose of business or commercial waste: Your responsibilities - GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to give local authorities more power to deal with flooding.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Lead Local Flood Authorities (unitary authorities and county councils) are responsible for managing local flood risks and have statutory duties including investigating flood incidents and publishing local flood risk management strategies.

Defra is supporting Lead Local Flood Authorities through its reformed funding approach, which is designed to improve local choice by making more projects eligible for flood and coastal erosion risk management funding. It also gives greater choice for communities and local authorities, through their Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, to decide how to best use local flood levies to reflect local priorities and support greater flood resilience.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she has taken to help ensure consistency between water companies in the inclusion of Universal Credit housing costs when calculating household income.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Water companies are responsible for the design of their social tariffs and may take different approaches when assessing household income, including when considering Universal Credit and housing cost. Government is working with industry to keep support schemes under review to ensure that vulnerable customers are supported. In addition, we are reforming the statutory WaterSure scheme, including extending eligibility and increasing support for qualifying households.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure the Environment Agency has adequate powers to pre-emptively tackle flooding in areas of high risk.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Environment Agency (EA) has a strategic overview of the management of all sources of flooding and coastal change in England and is the lead authority for managing flood risk from main rivers, estuaries and the sea.

The EA is delivering the Government’s flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) investment programme. A new three-year £4.2 billion FCERM investment programme started on 1 April 2026, allocating investment where flood and coastal risk is greatest, using the Government’s new funding policy.

The EA has published information on schemes that will receive funding for the first year of the programme, between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027.

The EA provides flood alerts, warnings and advice through its Check for flooding service, helping communities prepare for flooding. The new National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service, launched in June 2026, supports faster and more reliable operational responses to emerging flood risks.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure the Environment Agency deals with issues causing flooding in a timely manner.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Environment Agency (EA) has a strategic overview of the management of all sources of flooding and coastal change in England and is the lead authority for managing flood risk from main rivers, estuaries and the sea.

The EA is delivering the Government’s flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) investment programme. A new three-year £4.2 billion FCERM investment programme started on 1 April 2026, allocating investment where flood and coastal risk is greatest, using the Government’s new funding policy.

The EA has published information on schemes that will receive funding for the first year of the programme, between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027.

The EA provides flood alerts, warnings and advice through its Check for flooding service, helping communities prepare for flooding. The new National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service, launched in June 2026, supports faster and more reliable operational responses to emerging flood risks.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support biodiversity in Royal Sutton Coldfield.

Answered by Mary Creagh

This Government has supported the West Midlands Combined Authority to develop the West Midlands Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), which covers Royal Sutton Coldfield. This brought local stakeholders together to agree priorities to help nature recover and support locally and nationally important species. The West Midlands LNRS will help groups and individuals target action with the most impact for biodiversity.

Discussions with Birmingham City Council regarding agri-environment schemes and developer-funded support to improve Sutton Park’s facilities and management, are helping restore biodiversity while managing increased recreational pressure from new housing developments.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of proposed data centre developments on local water resources in areas experiencing water stress.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Water companies do not have to supply water to cool data centres. Data centres may be refused a supply connection if there are not sufficient water resources available. Government encourages developers to consider use of non-potable water, to embed water efficiency or water recycling and reuse in their design and contact their proposed water and wastewater supplier early in the planning process to understand and plan for any potential water restrictions.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what contingency measures her Department has in place to ensure food reserves in the event of a major disruption to food supply chains.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra works with industry and across Government, including with the Cabinet Office to monitor risks to food supply chains. Decisions on capacity of food storage infrastructure are a matter for individual food businesses. Government maintains, regular engagement with industry to support preparedness for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply chains.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 18 May 2026 to Question 2218 Seeds: Imports, what measures is the government taking to safeguard domestic agriculture and horticulture from the risk of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and invasive species from imported into the UK via seeds sourced from online marketplaces.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Seeds purchased online from a non-UK seller are usually imported into the UK through large courier companies. They arrive and are sorted at the following airports and hubs: East Midlands, Heathrow, Stanstead, Coventry Hub.

At all these sites there is a schedule of inspections to inspect seeds and other planting material to ensure that the appropriate documentation has been provided and to conduct laboratory testing to ensure freedom from quarantine pest and disease. There are regular interceptions of consignments that do not meet the required documentation and physical testing. These consignments are, as a rule, destroyed or, where considered appropriate, refused customs clearance and returned to the country of export.

For seeds that have been imported and are then traded ‘inland’ (from one UK business to another), there is a requirement for the seller to be authorised as a plant passporter, and with this registration there is an obligation to ensure that the seeds they are selling meet the UK plant health biosecurity requirements. If a seller is not registered as a plant passporter and is trading on online platforms, the seller is contacted and notified that they need to be authorised as a plant passporter. If the seller does not register following this request, the online platform is asked to remove the seller’s listings.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support (1) farmers in relation to increased costs deriving from the Iran war, and (2) the long-term financial sustainability of farm businesses.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is actively monitoring developments in the Middle East and the impacts on food and farming sectors. Measures have been taken to improve market transparency, promote advice, tools and guidance, and we have consulted on temporary suspension of tariffs for certain fertilisers and modernisation of fertiliser regulations.

The ongoing pressure on fertiliser underlines the need to shift to a more resilient farming system with reduced reliance on such inputs. In England, the Farming Roadmap shows how improving nutrient management and input efficiency will help farmers to reduce reliance on artificial fertilisers, cut input costs and boost resilience.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to use measures of socioeconomic deprivation to inform targeted tree planting programmes in urban areas.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Trees Programme includes a number of schemes that support urban tree planting. We know that lower urban tree cover often correlates with higher socioeconomic deprivation. England’s Community Forests (ECF) help address this by planting trees in and around urban areas; improving wellbeing, tackling climate change and creating places for nature with over 1800 Ha planted in 2025/26.

In line with development of spatial targeting, informed by the Land Use Framework, we are exploring new datasets and tools to better target new trees and woodlands, including future support for urban trees, and how to prioritise areas of deprivation.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the 2030 goal of 50 per cent of Sites of Special Scientific Interest features reaching a favourable condition is sufficiently ambitious.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government considers the interim target for 50% of Sites of Special Scientific Interest features to have actions on track to achieve favourable condition by December 2030, to be ambitious and achievable.

The interim target was set following the review of the 2023 Environmental Improvement plan, which looked at the environmental data and indicators and the expected delivery against Environment Act targets.

We considered the scale of action needed to improve the condition of features alongside the ambition for 75% of protected sites to be in favourable condition by 2042. Delivery is supported by improved monitoring, sustainable land management, action to tackle pressures such as pollution, Protected Site Strategies, and the Major Landowners Group.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they will publish the results of the lamb welfare consultation on proposed changes to castration and tail docking methods, which closed on 9 March.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is currently analysing the consultation responses and will publish a formal response in due course.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made towards their target of ensuring that 50 per cent of publicly procured food is either from local producers in the UK or from suppliers certified to higher environmental standards.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government has already published a new national procurement policy statement which sets expectations for government contracts to favour products certified to high environmental standards that British producers are well-placed to meet.

Data collection on the extent to which public sector settings are serving food from local sustainable sources is currently underway. We expect the work to be completed by Summer 2027.

Defra is considering the policy options available to deliver further on its ambitions for public sector food, including potentially updating the Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions, if any, they have had with the Welsh Government regarding future projections of the water requirements of English corporations who currently obtain some or all of their water from Wales.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Water companies in England and Wales have a statutory duty to provide a secure supply of water for customers, efficiently and economically and set out how they plan to continue to supply water to their customers through statutory Water Resources Management Plans (WRMPs).

As agreed in the Intergovernmental Protocol on Water Resources, Water Supply and Water Quality and with respect to WRMPs where there are cross border matters, WRMPs will be scrutinised by regulators on both sides of the border and decisions on WRMPs are made in consultation with the relevant administration.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish an impact assessment of a UK–EU sanitary and phytosanitary agreement before it is signed.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government will prepare a regulatory impact assessment for the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement as part of the normal regulatory process. The assessment will be developed alongside any secondary legislation required to implement the Agreement and will set out the impacts of the resulting legislative changes.

The Government will prepare a regulatory impact assessment for the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement as part of the normal regulatory process. The assessment will be developed alongside any secondary legislation required to implement the Agreement and will set out the impacts of the resulting legislative changes.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether Natural England delivers value for money.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Natural England (NE) is an arm's-length body whose expenditure is subject to public accounting and audit arrangements, adhering to the requirements of HMT ‘Managing Public Money’. The National Audit Office also conducts value for money studies across government, including Natural England, which Defra responds to.

The NE Framework Document sets out financial accountabilities and controls and the operational framework between NE and Defra. NE publishes independently audited annual accounts which are laid before Parliament. Defra ensures NE provides value for money by implementing robust accountability including quarterly performance monitoring and Ministerial oversight.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve the transparency and accessibility of procurement processes to improve responsive procurement of local and seasonal food.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is currently undertaking research across the public sector to improve understanding of current procurement practices, including local and sustainable sourcing. The research is expected to conclude in summer 2027 and its findings will inform future policy development. Further, Government has already published a new national procurement policy statement, which sets expectations for government contracts to favour products certified to high environmental standards that British producers are well-placed to meet.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to updating data collection and reporting across public sector food contracts, including clear reporting of country of origin, to assist British farmers to benefit from public sector contracts.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We do not currently have access to sufficient data on the proportion of UK-produced food that is purchased across the public sector to produce reliable sector-specific estimates. However, we are carrying out further research to improve the quality, coverage, and understanding of this data and expect to conclude in summer 2027. The findings will inform future policy development, including how we might improve data collection and monitoring arrangements for public sector food procurement, increasing transparency and supporting opportunities for British farmers to benefit from public sector contracts.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of food supplied in (1) schools, (2) prisons, (3) military establishments, and (4) hospitals, is produced in the UK.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We do not currently have access to sufficient data on the proportion of UK-produced food that is purchased across the public sector to produce reliable sector-specific estimates. However, we are carrying out further research to improve the quality, coverage, and understanding of this data and expect to conclude in summer 2027. The findings will inform future policy development, including how we might improve data collection and monitoring arrangements for public sector food procurement, increasing transparency and supporting opportunities for British farmers to benefit from public sector contracts.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether access to trees and green spaces varies between communities with different levels of socioeconomic deprivation; and what steps they intend to take in response to any such variation.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Spending time in nature benefits health and wellbeing but use and experience of green and blue spaces varies by factors including geographical location, green space size, income and ethnicity, and further evidence is needed to understand these differences.

The Environmental Improvement Plan sets out this Government’s plans for more inclusive access to nature including delivering 9 new national river walks, investing over £1 billion in tree planting and forestry support and supporting communities most in need through the Nature Towns and Cities programme.

Assessment of access to nature is made through Defra’s Access to Green and Blue Space statistics and Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework Mapping Tool, which maps greenspace, tree cover, deprivation and environmental pressures. The Forestry Commission uses deprivation and woodland access data to target additional grant payments where benefits are most needed. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Pride in Place Programme will provide up to £5.8 billion over ten years to support neighbourhoods experiencing the highest levels of deprivation.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Minister of State on 9 June 2026 (UIN 7005), why they concluded that banning castration and tail docking of lambs was not the correct approach; and whether they will make their statement publicly available.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government recognises that there are situations where completely removing the need for these procedures is not feasible and would not reflect the evidence base or sectoral needs and could result in unintended negative consequences for animal welfare. There remain cases, such as where there is a high risk of flystrike, where these procedures may still be justified. This is set out in the consultation documentation.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential economic impact of coastal communities on the national economy; and whether she plans to publish a strategy for supporting economic growth in coastal towns.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the lead for coastal communities across Government. Many coastal communities are also rural, and Defra is the lead department for rural communities. Rural areas contributed over £259 billion (12%) to the economy in England in 2023. Further information and analysis on the contribution of rural areas to the economy can be found in the Statistical Digest of Rural England - GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 10 March 2026 to Question 117628 on Import Controls, whether construction is complete; how much money her Department has spent to date; and whether any other (a) central and (b) devolved Department has been subject to separate billing for the construction of the border control posts.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

SPS Inspection Facilities at Belfast, Larne, Foyle, and Warrenpoint are now operational. Remaining works on 13 July 2026 were limited to minor snagging and commissioning activities in line with normal construction practice and include additional works at Larne which will enhance the live animal inspections already in place.

This Government, which has responsibility for delivery of these facilities, remains committed to a maximum funding envelope of £192.3 million. Of this envelope, £152.2 million has been spent up to the 13 July 2026. Further payments for construction have yet to be made in accordance with contractual terms, however the total expenditure is forecast to be within the maximum funding envelope.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what is the evidential basis for determining that there is a clear need for Environmental Delivery Plans; whether that evidence will be published; and what assessment she has made of the value for money of Environmental Delivery Plans.

Answered by Mary Creagh

The NRF will focus on enabling development in areas where it has stalled due to specific environmental obligations. The first EDPs will focus on nutrient neutrality, which currently affects approximately 8% of housing. The Planning and Infrastructure Act requires that EDPs must include monitoring measures sufficient to track the effectiveness of conservation measures and the effect of the EDP in general. These reporting requirements will provide transparency around the environmental improvements that each EDP has delivered and whether they represent good value for money.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Government plans to publish its assessment of the effectiveness of Environmental Delivery Plans; what criteria will be used to evaluate their success; and whether further Environmental Delivery Plans will be introduced only following publication of that assessment.

Answered by Mary Creagh

An initial assessment of Environmental Delivery Plans will take place following the making of the first nutrient pollution EDP. EDPs covering other issues will only be made after a statement on the findings of this assessment has been made to Parliament. Over the longer-term, success of the NRF programme will be regularly assessed against a range of criteria as part of a monitoring programme to determine the extent to which EDPs enable development and deliver measurable environmental improvements.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she will publish the response to the MMO's Stage 3 marine protected areas consultation.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) consulted last year on fisheries byelaws to restrict bottom trawling in a further 41 MPAs. These proposals covered 30,000 square kilometres or 13% of English waters. The MMO is carefully considering the very large number of responses received to the consultation, and decisions will be made in due course.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of proposed revisions to jam on the (a) taste and (b) cost of jam.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement is still being negotiated and the final list of legislation in scope remains subject to negotiations. The Government has begun publishing sector specific information to help businesses get ready.

Changes to jam rules may require some businesses to change the composition or labelling of their products. The scale of these impacts on taste and cost will be dependent on the nature of the business, and type of jam products they produce. Hence the proportion of products affected, and the extent of change will vary, and in some cases, businesses may not need to change anything at all.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of intensive factory farming of chickens, and whether there are plans to further regulate this sector with regards to animal welfare.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All farms, regardless of size and type of production system, must comply with legislation on animal health and welfare. The Government remains firmly committed to improving animal welfare and wants to work closely with the farming sector to deliver high standards. The Animal Welfare Strategy outlines government’s plans to improve farm animal welfare including through transitioning away from intensive confinement systems such as cages and encourage efforts to move away from fast-growing meat chicken breeds.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement on the UK's capacity to warn and sanction states that are non-cooperative in tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The UK’s Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Regulation prohibits the import of seafood linked to IUU fishing and includes measures to warn and sanction states identified as non-cooperative in tacking IUU fishing. IUU is out of scope of the UK-EU SPS Agreement and the UK will maintain robust checks and controls to ensure imported seafood complies with our IUU requirements.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an estimate of the annual cost to her Department of preparing ministers to respond to Westminster Hall Debates.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

It is not possible to provide an exact cost for preparing Ministers to respond to Westminster Hall Debates. There will be differences in the costs of Civil Service, Special Adviser and Ministerial time depending on the policy matter and length of the debate. Debates can also be cross-cutting and require resources from multiple departments or engage departmental bodies.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she can confirm that the forthcoming consultation on phasing out farrowing crates will be based on a transition to free farrowing systems rather than permitting the continued use of temporary crating.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The recently published animal welfare strategy sets out that ending the use of farrowing crates is a key priority for this Government. We want to work with the industry to help them transition away from the use of farrowing crates to alternative systems: either flexible farrowing where the sow is confined for the crucial few days around farrowing, or free farrowing where there is no confinement during farrowing or lactation.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she can confirm if the forthcoming consultation on phasing out farrowing crates will be based on a transition to free farrowing systems rather than permitting the use of continued temporary crating.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The recently published animal welfare strategy sets out that ending the use of farrowing crates is a key priority for this Government. We want to work with the industry to help them transition away from the use of farrowing crates to alternative systems: either flexible farrowing where the sow is confined for the crucial few days around farrowing, or free farrowing where there is no confinement during farrowing or lactation.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 13 January 2026 to questions 99362 and 99361, what further consideration her department has given to implementing public awareness campaigns regarding a) biosecurity threats from, and b) legality of, personal imports of risk items.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra has subsequently secured up to £1.2m from the Cabinet Office's Integrated Security Fund to deliver a UK Border Biosecurity Campaign in 2027/28, in partnership with other government departments.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she intends to publish the consultation on phasing out the use of farrowing crates for sows.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the reply previously given the hon. Member for Bolton South and Walkden on 10 July 2026, PQ UIN 15938.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she intends to publish the consultation on phasing out the use of fallow farming crates.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the reply previously given the hon. Member for Bolton South and Walkden on 10 July 2026, PQ UIN 15938.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she plans to answer question 14925 from the hon. Member for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The answer to question 14925 was published on 14 July 2026.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that public sector food procurement meets the proposed requirement for 50% of food spend to meet higher environmental and welfare standards.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government has already published a new national procurement policy statement which sets expectations for government contracts to favour products certified to high environmental standards that British producers are well-placed to meet.

Data collection on the extent to which public sector settings are serving food from local sustainable sources is currently underway. We expect the work to be completed by Summer 2027.

Defra is considering the policy options available to deliver further on its ambitions for public sector food, including potentially updating the Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will set out her Department's priority areas for improving fisheries transparency (a) domestically and (b) in the UK's international seafood supply chains.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is committed to improving fisheries transparency as part of its efforts to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Domestically, we are strengthening IUU documentation requirements by requesting additional information for seafood imports and planning enhancing digital checks and controls at the border. Internationally, the UK is promoting greater information exchange through the FAO Global Information Exchange System and Global Record, in line with our commitments under the Agreement on Port State Measures, to help prevent IUU-caught fish entering global seafood supply chains. This includes work to establish connections with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations’ electronic systems.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to list the meetings she and her ministers have had with the NFFO since 9 June 2025.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra ministers meet with a range of stakeholders on a regular basis, including the NFFO to discuss matters relevant to commercial fisheries. Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations and individuals are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of an El Niño weather event on (a) food security and (b) critical infrastructure in the UK.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Defra-funded Food, Farming and Natural Environment climate service, delivered by the Met Office Hadley Centre, provides climate modelling services to Government. Defra published the Met Office High-Impact Low-Likelihood Outcomes paper last year which highlighted the potential impacts of strong El Niño years on net global crop production and how they may amplify any other global food production shocks.

Defra is monitoring the potential impacts of this year’s predicted El Niño, on both domestically produced food and imports. This includes considering potential impacts on food supply chain dependencies, including transport, ports, storage and other food industry infrastructure.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to (a) provide guidance to veterinary practices on the pricing of Animal Health Certificates and (b) introduce regulations on the price levels for Animal Health Certificates set by veterinary practices.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All fees set by veterinary surgeons or veterinary practices are a private matter between individual practices and their clients. Neither the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the UK regulator of the veterinary profession, nor Defra intervene in the level of fees that are charged.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of protected geographical indication labelling on a) fresh meat and b) fresh fish packaging.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Geographical indications (GIs) protect the names of products whose qualities, reputation or characteristics are linked to a particular place.

The Government has not formally assessed the adequacy of GI labelling on either fresh meat or fresh fish packaging. However, once a GI name has been protected, only genuine products can use that name and the appropriate GI logo in their labelling and advertising. We consider current GI labelling requirements to be clear to producers and informative to consumers. Where mislabelling or inadequate labelling comes to light, the Government takes steps to ensure corrective action protects producer and consumer interests.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress has been made on introducing clearer country-of-origin and method-of-production food labelling to support higher animal welfare standards since the Government response to the Fairer Food Labelling consultation.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

As set out in the Government’s animal welfare strategy, and the Farming Roadmap published in June 2026, we are committed to ensuring that consumers have access to clear information on how and where their food was produced.

To support this, we will continue working with relevant stakeholders, including the farming and food industry, scientists and NGOs to explore how improved animal welfare food labelling could provide greater consumer transparency, support farmers and promote better animal welfare. We will set out next steps in due course.

We will also continue to review origin labelling, using the outcomes of the Fairer Food Labelling consultation as supporting evidence for future labelling policy.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 25 June 2026 to UIN 10802, what criteria her Department uses to make decisions on publishing such information.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government judged that publication of the information requested would not be appropriate as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which public bodies will be required to comply with the revised Government Buying Standards for food and catering services.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is considering the policy options available to deliver further on its ambitions for public sector food, including potentially updating the Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services.

Defra has not yet made any decisions on the content, scope, application or implementation of any future changes.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress she has made on updating Government Buying Standards relating to food procurement.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is considering the policy options available to deliver further on its ambitions for public sector food, including potentially updating the Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services.

Defra has not yet made any decisions on the content, scope, application or implementation of any future changes.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her department will take steps to introduce an official, categorised level-rating for biosecurity risk to the UK.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government’s National Risk Register provides a structured assessment of the most serious risks facing the UK, including for biosecurity. The latest version is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-risk-register-2025

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps she has taken to support arable farmers in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is supporting arable farmers in South Holland and the Deepings and across Lincolnshire through a record £11.8 billion commitment to sustainable farming and food production over this Parliament. This year, eligible farmers can apply for new funding through the £240 million Sustainable Farming Incentive, at least £50 million for new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreements, £225 million in Capital Grants and £123 million through the Farming Innovation Programme, which supports productivity, innovation and resilience on farms.

Found: Street London SW1P 4DF T: +44 (0) 3459 335577 E: [email protected] W: gov.uk/defra

Found: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is currently consulting on establishing

Found: Zero and the UK’s historic building stock Net zero and the UK's historic building stock - POST 24 Defra

Found: but the Committee was concerned at the responses you gave when asked about co-ordination between DEFRA

Found: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have primary policy responsibility for

Found: Street London SW1P 4DF T: +44 (0) 3459 335577 E: [email protected] W: gov.uk/defra

Found: Street London SW1P 4DF T: +44 (0) 3459 335577 E: [email protected] W: gov.uk/defra

Found: No ward-level monetised health cost was calculated for Gravesend East using the Defra damage cost framework

Found: Street London SW1P 4DF T: +44 (0) 3459 335577 E: [email protected] W: gov.uk/defra

Found: Letter from Defra on future Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement with the EU 07.07.2026 Correspondence

Found: PPM Inquiry: Public oral evidence session with Defra, VMD and the Environment Agency The Committee

Found: I also wanted to provide further information on the programming that was transferred to Defra.

Found: The association has raised the issue to EA and DEFRA highlighting the following principles which we

Found: highlighted existing precedents under the Groceries Code Adjudicator and Extended Producers 19 DHSC, DEFRA

Found: Defra is working in collaboration with other government departments, to develop clear cross-government

Found: Response We welcome the Committee’s support for the Lead Environmental Regulator (LER) pilots led by Defra

Found: Dynamics' STRIDER is an AI-enabled autonomous ground robot developed under a Dstl contract funded by DEFRA

Found: If you are in DEFRA or DESNZ or other Departments across Government, adhering to timetables on devolution

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of AI data centres on the environment.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

DSIT engages regularly with DEFRA, the Environment Agency and DESNZ, to discuss the impact of AI data centres on the environment. Through the AI Energy Council, the Government is assessing and promoting energy efficiency and clean power solutions.

DSIT will also publish a National Policy Statement, which will establish clear expectations on the design and environmental considerations for data centres seeking development consent through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects planning process.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the development of AI data centres on local energy and water resources.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology engages regularly with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure the UK energy system supports the UK’s growing digital and AI‑driven demand. DSIT also engages closely with DEFRA and the Environment Agency, recognising the need to ensure AI infrastructure does not compromise the resilience of public water supplies.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his department has made of the potential public health benefits of (a) introducing a national public awareness campaign on the health impacts of air pollution and (b) updating the thresholds used in the Daily Air Quality Index.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson

The Government is committed to making air quality information accessible and actionable. The Environmental Improvement Plan sets out how we are working to improve public understanding of air pollution and how people can reduce their exposure.

In 2025, the Air Quality Information System steering group published their report on how to improve air quality communications. As part of this work, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs commissioned the study Ricardo report: Evaluation of the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI) to evaluate whether the DAQI services are achieving the intended objectives and to provide recommendations for improvements. The report is available at the following link:

https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/assets/documents/reports/cat05/2503060821_3_Daily_Air_Quality_Index_Evaluation_FINAL_REPORT.pdf

The current DAQI is based on a consideration of the evidence of health effects following short-term exposure to elevated air pollution and is aligned with most air quality indexes used in other countries

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information (a) his Department and (b) the Government Property Agency holds on which government offices are based in Greater Manchester, across which Departments and agencies.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister of State (Home Office)

The GPA holds information on all government offices in greater Manchester. The information includes tenure, lease dates, EPC information and occupiers. Buildings, Departments and ALB information listed below;

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Found: . • Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra): Following a major review of data structures

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Found: nautical miles from the landward baseline of the territorial sea, and are commonly referred to as the Defra

Found: Plan 2021, GLA CE Guidance – note this post-dates the original submission  Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Key Performance Indicators 1.65 Defra issued Environmental key performance indicators (KPIs): Reporting

Found: their environmental impact. 1.15 The Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra

Found: for Energy Security & Net Zero London SW1A 2EG Public sector Leader National Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Net ZeroLondonSW1A 2EGPublic sectorLeaderNationalDepartment for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA

Found: The joint Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)/ Cabinet Office National Flood

Found: Greening Government Commitments Annually Report directly to Defra to summarise department progress

Found: using a combination of primary activity data and validated estimation methodologies aligned to DEFRA

Found: includes working with Df T, DBT and industry to deliver decarbonisation of aviation, collaborating with Defra

Found: includes working with Df T, DBT and industry to deliver decarbonisation of aviation, collaborating with Defra

Found: This includes AI-assisted appraisal work with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: for the revised 2026–2030 GGC framework, UKAEA engaged with DESNZ and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: DfT reports quarterly to Defra, which produces an annual cross-government report.

Found: DfT reports quarterly to Defra, which produces an annual cross-government report.

Found: DfT reports quarterly to Defra, which produces an annual cross-government report.

Found: DfT reports quarterly to Defra, which produces an annual cross-government report.

Found: aspect of this policy area includes working with a range of government departments, including DESNZ, Defra

Found: National Wealth Fund, leading the implementation of the infrastructure strategy and working with Defra

Found: with the quarterly Greening Government Commitments (GGC) submission to The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: with the quarterly Greening Government Commitments (GGC) submission to The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: (DEFRA) and cross-HMG missions to support business resilience and opportunity

Found: (DEFRA) and cross-HMG missions to support business resilience and opportunity

Found: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) compiles, mandates and coordinates the

Found: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) compiles, mandates and coordinates the

Found: • Progress is hindered by fragmented responsibilities between DEFRA (waste) and DESNZ (CCUS), inconsistent

Found: I am very grateful for the hard work and dedication of the team from DESNZ and Defra working with me

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Found: the Department for Education, the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: , producing, acquiring, transferring, stockpiling and using biological weapons Outcome 7 (DHSC/DEFRA

Found: confirmed cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland. 2024 to 2025 outbreak season (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025) Defra

Found: confirmed cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland. 2024 to 2025 outbreak season (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025) Defra

Found: Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for

Found: This follows a recruitment exercise conducted by Natural England’s board and with approval by the Defra

Found: This follows a recruitment exercise conducted by Natural England’s board and with approval by the Defra

Found: Standards and Food Safety Analysis, funded by the Food Standards Agency, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Dartmoor Hill Ponies are classified by Defra as a Native Heritage Semi-Feral population and are categorised

Found: This is both for coal and for metals where we continue to work closely with Defra and the Environment

Found: The Mining Remediation Authority 30/05/2026 Contract Hire Vehicles Environment Delivery - Metals - DEFRA

Found: class="govuk-table__cell">Fares - Public Transport

Found: The Mining Remediation Authority 29/04/2026 Contract Hire Vehicles Environment Delivery - Metals - DEFRA

Found: class="govuk-table__cell">Fares - Public Transport

Found: Security and Net Zero The Mining Remediation Authority 15/04/2026 CY - Minewater Scheme - Additions DEFRA

Found: cell">Incidentals

Found: BP and Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: BP and Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

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Found: HSSIB has been granted an exemption by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from reporting

Found: HSSIB has been granted an exemption by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from reporting

Found: by the HOPS Environmental Sustainability Team before it is submitted to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: by the HOPS Environmental Sustainability Team before it is submitted to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: NDA only) We participate in the GGC scheme, reporting quarterly to DESNZ against targets set by Defra

Found: growth), ensuring it considers wider opinion in the delivery of its statutory remit. • Engaged with Defra

Found: The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for protecting and improving

Found: The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for protecting and improving

Found: The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for protecting and improving

Found: Business - Marks and Spencer 2005 (Chester Store) Limited Director Business - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Spencer 2005 (Chester Store) Limited Director Business - Nick Folland Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Business - Marks and Spencer 2005 (Chester Store) Limited Director Business - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: five-year cycle (2026-2030) and provided feedback via the DfT Sustainability Lead for escalation to DEFRA

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Found: Sport Department for Education Department for Health and Social Care Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Sport Department for Education Department for Health and Social Care Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: the TCFD and report our sustainability data to DHSC for centralised reporting to Cabinet Office and DEFRA

Found: We report on a quarterly basis to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on

Found: We report on a quarterly basis to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on

Found: Defra to issue reporting template on an annual basis Aligned to MOD systems Achieved E: Nature recovery

Found: factors for all categories are calculated using the emissions factor calculations provided to us by Defra

Found: factors for all categories are calculated using the emissions factor calculations provided to us by Defra

Found: This data is then aggregated with DfT’s own data and data from other DfT bodies, and is collated by Defra

Found: This data is then aggregated with DfT’s own data and data from other DfT bodies, and is collated by Defra

Found: This data is then aggregated with DfT’s own data and data from other DfT bodies, and is collated by Defra

Found: Transdisciplinary research programme to tackle antimicrobial resistance, with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Externally, this publication is being used by the DBT to help inform trade policies and by Defra analysis

Found: Protecting a European site (2021) issued jointly by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra

Found: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) family objectives for this area call

Found: reasonably practical in line with the Soil and Aftercare Management Plan (Requirement 6(1)(a)) and Defra

Found: Update) guidance on dealing with air quality concerns within the development control process; and • Defra

Found: nautical miles from the landward baseline of the territorial sea, and are commonly referred to as the Defra

Found: You can view all of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra’s) guidance and forms

Found: Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Angling Trust, Defra, the MMO, Cefas, Natural England and sector representatives have jointly developed

Found: Angling Trust, Defra, the MMO, Cefas, Natural England and sector representatives have jointly developed

Found: A panel made up of officials from MMO and Defra will review all applications.

Found: the test if the herd: has undergone mandatory IFN-y testing (if the herd is eligible under current Defra

Found: The Marine Management Organisation follows all Defra statistical policies.

Found: This was funded by Defra through the Fishery Industry Science Partnership (FISP ECM66391).

Found: ), as part of a collaborative project with the UK fishing industry, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Defra has acted to improve air quality by regulating the composition of MSF burned in England, and

Found: Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) - DEFRA UK Air - GOV.UK Environmental Protection Agency (EPA

Found: APHA is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and also works

Found: APHA is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and also works

Found: British Sign Language 5-year plan: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Defra is a ministerial department, supported by 34 agencies and public bodies.

Found: Defra is a ministerial department, supported by 34 agencies and public bodies.

Found: With reference to the data for 2024 published here CAP Payments Search, Defra, UK, please can you supply

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any welfare impacts associated with the transportation of live decapod crustaceans.

Answered by Fairlie, Jim - Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands

To date, no assessment has been undertaken. In its statutory review of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) Act 2020 the Scottish Government committed to undertaking, in collaboration with Defra and other devolved administrations, a gap analysis to identify the specific welfare challenges faced by decapods (including live transportation), what evidence there is to inform potential solutions to these challenges and where further research may be needed.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government, or other devolved administrations, regarding the possibility of restricting or prohibiting the transportation of live decapod crustaceans through postal services.

Answered by Fairlie, Jim - Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands

Scottish Ministers wrote to the previous UK Government to raise the issue of decapod welfare, including highlighting concerns about live transport through the postal service, and proposing joint working to address these issues.

In its statutory review of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) Act 2020 the Scottish Government committed to undertaking, in collaboration with Defra and other devolved administrations, a gap analysis to identify the specific welfare challenges faced by decapods (including live transportation), what evidence there is to inform potential solutions to these challenges, and where further research may be needed.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the welfare of decapod crustaceans, in light of their recognition as sentient animals.

Answered by Fairlie, Jim - Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands

The Scottish Government is working with Defra and the Welsh Government on producing guidance on the welfare of decapods at the time of killing. We are also committed to undertaking a gap analysis in partnership with Defra to identify knowledge and evidence gaps, reviewing current evidence and to continuing our engagement with relevant stakeholders to explore how best to improve decapod welfare.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what statutory or regulatory measures are currently in place to ensure the welfare of live decapod crustaceans during transport within and from Scotland.

Answered by Fairlie, Jim - Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands

There are currently no statutory or regulatory measures protecting decapod welfare during transport within and from Scotland. In its statutory review of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) Act 2020 the Scottish Government committed to undertaking, in collaboration with Defra and other devolved administrations, a gap analysis to identify the specific welfare challenges faced by decapods (including live transportation), what evidence there is to inform potential solutions to these challenges, and where further research may be needed.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether existing legislation provides adequate welfare protections for decapod crustaceans, in light of their recognition as sentient animals.

Answered by Fairlie, Jim - Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands

The statutory review of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) Act 2020 undertaken by the Scottish Government in 2024, acknowledged that decapods currently have no general welfare protection under the 2006 Act; and that this is an area for future policy consideration. Further, the outputs from the 2024 review confirmed our commitment to work collaboratively with Defra to undertake a gap analysis to identify gaps in current research and evidence, and to explore potential solutions to the specific welfare challenges linked to decapods and how they may best be addressed.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to introducing statutory welfare standards for decapod crustaceans in sectors that currently operate under voluntary guidance.

Answered by Fairlie, Jim - Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands

The Scottish Government is currently working with the other devolved Governments to develop Guidance for the welfare at the time of killing of decapods. The Scottish Government will consider the case for developing statutory welfare standards as part of the wider work and commitment to undertake a gap analysis in collaboration with Defra and our wider evidence-based review to inform future measures to protect decapod welfare.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recognition of decapod crustaceans as sentient animals, what research it has commissioned, reviewed or relied upon regarding the welfare needs of these animals.

Answered by Fairlie, Jim - Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands

The Scottish Government has considered and continues to consider a range of evidence around decapod welfare including the London School of Economics study on decapod and cephalopod sentience, and the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission Case Study on cephalopod sentience. Any future research needs will be informed in due course by the gap analysis we are committed to undertaking in collaboration with Defra.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish the outcome of its consultation into phasing out cages for gamebirds and laying hens.

Answered by Fairlie, Jim - Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands

The Scottish Government has undertaken two consultations on the issue of phasing out cages for laying hens. The first, a Scotland-only one, which took place in 2024, is currently being analysed and results will be published in the coming months. The second, conducted jointly with DEFRA and the Welsh Government received over 39,000 correspondence and will be published in due course.

It was a Programme for Government Commitment to consult on the phasing out of cages for gamebirds and it remains our intention to consult on that issue in due course.

Found: Footnote 1: Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), Economic analysis of movement

Found: data and updated national datasets (produced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Defra

Found: data and updated national datasets (produced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Defra

Found: disposable vapes were bought in the UK in 2023, a figure roughly doubled from the year before. 2.24 Defra

Question

Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on any discussions he has had with DEFRA regarding Bovine TB?

Answered by None