Oral Answers to Questions

Sally Jameson Excerpts

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sally Jameson (Doncaster Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

T1. If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.

[The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Reynolds)]

Yesterday, I launched the land use framework, a blueprint for how we can make the most of our land. We will shortly be publishing our waste crime action plan to give the Environment Agency police-style powers to crack down on these criminal networks. Earlier this week, we announced more than 600 flood defence projects. Earlier this month, I led the first agrifood trade mission to Washington to promote the new 13,000 tonne beef quota. I also took part in the second UK-Ireland summit, alongside the Prime Minister and other members of the Cabinet. Next week, I will chair the first food and farming partnership board. Today, we are opening the King Charles III England coastal path, which I am sure Members across the House will agree is a wonderful achievement.

[Sally Jameson]

What assessment has the Secretary of State made of agricultural co-operatives and how they might contribute to Government objectives on sustainable farming and food security?

[Emma Reynolds]

This Labour Government are committed to doubling the size of the co-operative and mutual sector, as we laid out in our manifesto. We already have some very successful agricultural co-operatives such as Arla and Openfield, which benefit the farmers in those co-operatives and their local communities.