Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Angela Eagle and Christine Jardine

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dame Angela Eagle]

I have to say that a study of history demonstrates that collectivising the food system does not usually work.

[Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)]

9. Whether she plans to increase the level of funding available to agricultural industries.

[The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)]

Rising input costs, including for fertiliser, have contributed to pressure on many farm businesses in recent years. We continually assess how global cost volatility affects farm productivity and the resilience of the sector.

[Christine Jardine]

Edinburgh West may not seem like the most rural constituency, but we have several critical agricultural businesses in the seat, including the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston and a number of businesses that are diversifying into agritourism. There is funding available, but it is often unclear how to get it or how to align it for, say, the conversion of buildings. Can the Minister commit to making it clearer how agricultural businesses that want to diversify can access the funding?

[Dame Angela Eagle]

I would love to—if the hon. Lady’s constituency was in England. Agriculture is a devolved matter, and she must therefore ask the Scottish Government.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Angela Eagle and Christine Jardine

Monday 31st March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)]

14. What steps she is taking to help tackle people smuggling.

[The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Dame Angela Eagle)]

The Government are today playing host to law enforcement counterparts from across the globe to discuss our joint response to organised immigration crime. The UK is not only hosting that summit but leading the way in its response to this appalling, evil trade, including through new powers introduced in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which I note the Conservative party voted against.

[Christine Jardine]

I thank the Minister for that response and welcome the increased co-operation with allies on this vital issue. It is critical that we stop the dangerous crossings, but without tackling the problem at its source, with aid to tackle famine and conflict and by providing safe legal routes, do we not risk the crisis continuing? How will the Minister work with colleagues across Government to address those factors to ensure that we tackle the crisis fully?

[Dame Angela Eagle]

The summit is dealing with source countries. We are looking at how we can co-operate with countries all the way along the routes used by smuggling gangs to ensure that the right messages, rather than very slick organised immigration gang advertising, are conveyed.