Tim Farron
Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale
21,472 (43.3%) majority - 2024 General ElectionFirst elected: 5th May 2005
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
(since September 2020)3 APPG Officer Positions (as of 7 May 2025)
Christians in Parliament, Migration, Radiotherapy12 APPG Memberships
Beer, Listed Properties, Adult Social Care, Autism, Child of the North, Dark Skies, Financial Education for Young People, Gaps in Covid-19 Financial Support, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Prostate Cancer, Safeguarding in Faith Communities, Long Covid24 Former APPG Officer Positions
Cancer, Child and Youth Crime, Children who need Palliative Care, Dark Skies, Dementia, Diagnostics, Dying Well, Eating Disorders, Eggs, Pigs and Poultry, Eritrea, Ethnic Minority Business Owners, Farming, Hill Farming, Historic Counties, Hospitality and Tourism, Listed Properties, National Parks, Night Time Economy, Outdoor Learning, Religion in the Media, Safeguarding in Faith Communities, Safeguarding in Faith Settings, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Uplands and Hill FarmingDivision Voting information
Tim Farron voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 7 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 38 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 415 Noes - 47
Tim Farron voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 11 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 61 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 330 Noes - 275
Tim Farron voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 12 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 54 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 243 Noes - 279
Tim Farron voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 10 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 55 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 288 Noes - 239
Tim Farron voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 27 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 34 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 259 Noes - 216
Tim Farron voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 47 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 230 Noes - 256
Tim Farron voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 14 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 48 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 233 Noes - 254
Debates during the 2024 Parliament
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
Sparring Partners
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
(33 debate interactions)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
(18 debate interactions)
(17 debate interactions)
Department Debates
(159 debate contributions)
(26 debate contributions)
(26 debate contributions)
(18 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(19,073 words contributed)
(1,205 words contributed)
(190 words contributed)
(114 words contributed)
Westmorland and Lonsdale Petitions
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
of 29,605 signatures (0.51%)
of 105,008 signatures (0.27%)
of 107,433 signatures (0.24%)
of 75,072 signatures (0.23%)
of 159,511 signatures (0.20%)
of 269,726 signatures (0.15%)
of 159,511 signatures (0.20%)
of 105,008 signatures (0.27%)
of 245,521 signatures (0.11%)
Latest EDMs signed by Tim Farron
Support for farmers
Tabled by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale)That this House recognises with deep concern the Chancellor’s Spending Review decision to cut the DEFRA budget in real terms by 2.3% annually, with a real terms cut to the farming budget of around £100m; understands budget cuts will have potentially devastating consequences for the environment, the rural economy, farming …
(Most recent: 13 Jun 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 1
Climate and Nature Bill
Tabled by: Clive Lewis (Labour - Norwich South)That this House declared an environment and climate change emergency on 1 May 2019, recognising the urgent need for action; notes that the Second Reading debate of the Climate and Nature Bill was adjourned, but not concluded, on 24 January 2025; further notes that the Secretary of State for Environment, …
(Most recent: 9 Jun 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 52
Labour: 18
Green Party: 4
Plaid Cymru: 4
Independent: 2
Scottish National Party: 2
Alliance: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Tim Farron, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
Tim Farron has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Tim Farron has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
22 Bills introduced by Tim Farron
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom to be granted to the family members of refugees and to refugees who are family members of British citizens and settled persons, to provide for legal aid to be made available for refugee family reunion cases, and for connected purposes
Wednesday 11th July 2018
A Bill to provide for parliamentary approval of trade agreements; to place a duty on the Secretary of State to consider UK agricultural, environmental and animal welfare standards when negotiating trade agreements; to require the Trade and Agriculture Commission to assess the effects of potential trade agreements on farming, the rural environment and animal welfare and to produce associated reports; to require the Secretary of State to lay such reports before Parliament; and for connected purposes.
Friday 6th May 2022
A Bill to provide for mandatory targets and timescales for the ending of sewage discharges into waterways and coastal areas; to make provision about the powers of Ofwat to monitor and enforce compliance with those targets and timescales; to require water companies to publish quarterly reports on the impact of sewage discharges on the natural environment, animal welfare and human health; to require the membership of water company boards to include at least one representative of an environmental group; and for connected purposes.
Friday 6th May 2022
A Bill to require that every child be offered at least one outdoor education experience during primary school years and at least one such experience during secondary school years; and for connected purposes.
Wednesday 15th January 2025
Friday 11th July 2025
A Bill to establish a Tenant Farming Commissioner; to make provision about the powers and duties of the commissioner, including powers in respect of payments under an Environmental Land Management scheme in cases where a tenant farmer has been evicted; and for connected purposes.
Tuesday 30th April 2024
A Bill to require that every child be offered at least one outdoor education experience during primary school years and at least one such experience during secondary school years; and for connected purposes.
Wednesday 17th January 2024
A Bill to establish a new model of company structure for Thames Water, to be called a public benefit corporation; to require that public benefit corporation to consider public policy benefits, including reducing leaks and sewage dumping, as well as returns for shareholders; to limit the payment of dividends until a plan is in place to cut the corporation’s debt; and to require membership of the corporation’s board to include representatives of local environment groups.
Thursday 29th June 2023
A Bill to prevent and punish the theft of dogs and to deter the unlawful importation of certain animals into Great Britain; and for connected purposes.
Tuesday 6th June 2023
A Bill to require that every child be offered at least one outdoor education experience during primary school years and at least one such experience during secondary school years; and for connected purposes.
Tuesday 20th June 2023
A Bill to provide that higher education institutions have a duty of care for their students; and for connected purposes.
Wednesday 21st June 2023
A Bill to define the term “green jobs”; to require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy for their creation, including setting targets relating to green jobs, skills, and training; to require the Secretary of State to report to Parliament on performance in implementing that strategy; to require the Secretary of State to publish a plan to increase take-up of National Vocational Qualification courses related to low-carbon services; to establish a Commission to advise the Government and local authorities on increasing the availability of jobs in the low-carbon economy, including in areas with high levels of deprivation, and on ensuring access to good quality green jobs across the United Kingdom; to require the Commission to consult workers, communities, non-governmental organisations, businesses, and industry representatives; to require local authorities to report to the Commission on the availability in green jobs in their areas; and for connected purposes.
Wednesday 14th December 2022
A Bill to require Parliamentary approval of coal extraction from new coal mines commissioned after November 2022; to require the Secretary of State to set targets for phasing out the extraction and use of coal and to report to Parliament on performance against those targets; to require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy for increasing the use of renewable energy sources for steel production in place of coal; and for connected purposes.
Tuesday 13th December 2022
A Bill to establish an independent regulatory body to monitor and enforce the compliance of public bodies with climate and environmental requirements and targets; to make provision for associated sanctions; to require the regulatory body to assess the environmental effects of potential trade agreements; to make provision about environmental standards, including in relation to animal welfare; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require the Secretary of State to terminate a rail passenger services franchise agreement in certain circumstances; to repeal section 25 of the Railways Act 1993; to make provision for local franchising authorities in England; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision to improve access to radiotherapy treatment in England; to define access in terms of the time that patients are required to travel to places providing treatment; to specify 45 minutes as the maximum time patients are to travel; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision to improve access to radiotherapy treatment in England; to define access in terms of the time that patients are required to travel to places providing treatment; to specify 45 minutes as the maximum time patients are to travel; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to make provision about the conditions to be met by male blood donors, including removing the restrictions relating to blood donation from men who have sexual intercourse with men; and for connected purposes.
Tuesday 9th February 2016
A Bill to make provision about the award of asylum-seeker status in the United Kingdom to certain unaccompanied children from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Eritrea displaced by conflict and present within the European Union; and for connected purposes.
Tuesday 8th December 2015
A Bill to give local planning authorities the power to determine the requirements for affordable housing contributions from sites of fewer than 10 units as part of planning obligation agreements under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990; and for connected purposes.
Tuesday 9th September 2014
Tuesday 21st October 2014
A Bill to require the Secretary of State to undertake a programme of research into the costs and benefits of extending control of all aspects of Right to Buy and Right to Acquire schemes entirely to Local Authorities, including the operation and consequences of such schemes and the introduction of the right of Local Authorities to suspend them; to report to Parliament within six months of the research being completed; and for connected purposes.
Wednesday 4th February 2015
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to give powers to the Secretary of State to provide for elections to be held to the governing boards of National Parks on a pilot basis; and for connected purposes.
Tuesday 1st April 2014
22 Bills co-sponsored by Tim Farron
Poly and Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (Guidance) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Munira Wilson (LD)
Food Products (Market Regulation and Public Procurement) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Alistair Carmichael (LD)
Elections (Proportional Representation) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Sarah Olney (LD)
Schools (Mental Health Professionals) (No. 2) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Munira Wilson (LD)
Primary care services (report) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Daisy Cooper (LD)
High Income Child Benefit Charge (report to Parliament) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Jim Shannon (DUP)
Carers and Care Workers Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Helen Morgan (LD)
Fire and Building Safety (Public Inquiry) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Daisy Cooper (LD)
Plastics (Wet Wipes) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Fleur Anderson (Lab)
Short and Holiday-Let Accommodation (Registration) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Karen Buck (Lab)
Vagrancy (Repeal) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Layla Moran (LD)
Dogs and Domestic Animals (Accommodation and Protection) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Andrew Rosindell (Con)
Jet Skis (Licensing) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Hywel Williams (PC)
Plastic Pollution (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alistair Carmichael (LD)
Prime Minister (Confidence) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Tom Brake (LD)
Plastic Pollution Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alistair Carmichael (LD)
House of Peers Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Christine Jardine (LD)
Representation of the People (Gibraltar) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Lord Mackinlay of Richborough (Con)
Registration of Marriage (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Caroline Spelman (Con)
Refugees (Family Reunion) (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Angus Brendan MacNeil (Ind)
Public Authority (Accountability) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Andy Burnham (Lab)
Transparency and Accountability (European Union) Bill 2015-16
Sponsor - Caroline Lucas (Green)
Latest 50 Written Questions
(View all written questions)On 8 May, the UK government announced a landmark economic deal with the US. The US has committed to further negotiations, and we will continue our extensive engagement with businesses from across the UK throughout these remaining negotiations.
For the first time ever, this deal will open up exclusive access for UK beef farmers to the US market. We are engaging extensively with the agricultural and food sector and will put the UK’s national interest first.
Senior officials from the Department for Business and Trade have been meeting representatives of the domestic bioethanol industry, and the Secretary of State has met with bioethanol businesses. We are committed to working with the domestic bioethanol industry about their concerns.
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) and his office is funded via a levy charged on the regulated retailers. Under the Groceries Code Adjudicator Act 2013, the GCA may second staff from any other public bodies. GCA staff numbers, at 31 March each year, as stated in their Annual Reports and Accounts, were:
a) 2015/2016 – 5 secondees
b) 2020/2021 – 4 secondees
c) 2022/2023 – 7 secondees
d) 2023/2024 – 8 secondees
As of 26 February 2025 there are 9 secondees.
These reports are available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/gca-annual-reports-and-accounts
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Employment Rights Bill will provide a new baseline of security for all workers, including those working on a visa. These protections include day one protection from unfair dismissal, increasing protection from harassment, strengthening Statutory Sick Pay and ending exploitative zero hours contacts.
The new Fair Work Agency will help ensure new minimum standards are being upheld across the country, by increasing awareness and accessibility of workers’ rights by providing a single point of contact, as well as supporting businesses to access clearer rules, information and advice to comply with the law.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Employment Rights Bill will provide a new baseline of security for all workers, including those working on a visa. These protections include day one protection from unfair dismissal, increasing protection from harassment, strengthening Statutory Sick Pay and ending exploitative zero hours contacts.
The new Fair Work Agency will help ensure new minimum standards are being upheld across the country, by increasing awareness and accessibility of workers’ rights by providing a single point of contact, as well as supporting businesses to access clearer rules, information and advice to comply with the law.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Ofgem’s recent investigation did not find any evidence to suggest that Drax had been issued with subsidies incorrectly. Whilst Drax complied with sustainability standards, it had failed to report data accurately. This is a serious matter and Government expects full compliance with all regulatory obligations. Drax’s subsequent £25 million redress payment underscores the robustness of the regulatory system.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
JET has been at the forefront of fusion research and innovation, and its final experiments produced a world record in energy output. However, JET is now 40 years old. An evaluation undertaken by EUROfusion in 2016 concluded that upgrades to JET did not provide value for money and it was decided to plan for the end of scientific operations. JET decommissioning will generate valuable knowledge for future fusion endeavours, alongside UK investment in new facilities. We are not aware of any instances where the decommissioning of JET has been raised by the EU Commission in discussion with UK ministers.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department does not hold data on smart meters operating in traditional mode at constituency level. Data held by the Department is reported at Great Britain-wide level and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/smart-meters-statistics. Smart meters operating in traditional mode continue to record energy usage accurately but do not send automatic readings to energy suppliers.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Opinions vary as to what constitutes ‘good’ mobile connectivity and I have raised my concerns about the reporting of connectivity with Ofcom, but according to Ofcom’s Connected Nations report (published on 5 December 2024), 4G indoor premises coverage is available from all four mobile operators in 68% of premises in your constituency, with 97% from at least one. This leaves 3% of premises (around 1,500 premises) with no 4G indoor coverage from any operator. Premises includes all buildings not just homes.
Through the Shared Rural Network, we are continuing to deliver 4G mobile connectivity to places where there is either limited or no coverage at all.
Whilst the transition from the analogue landline network to voice over internet protocol is an industry-led process, Ofcom and Government are working together with communications providers to ensure consumers and sectors are protected and prepared for the upgrade process.
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Opinions vary as to what constitutes ‘good’ mobile connectivity and I have raised my concerns about the reporting of connectivity with Ofcom, but according to Ofcom’s Connected Nations report (published on 5 December 2024), 4G indoor premises coverage is available from all four mobile operators in 68% of premises in your constituency, with 97% from at least one. This leaves 3% of premises (around 1,500 premises) with no 4G indoor coverage from any operator. Premises includes all buildings not just homes.
Through the Shared Rural Network, we are continuing to deliver 4G mobile connectivity to places where there is either limited or no coverage at all.
Whilst the transition from the analogue landline network to voice over internet protocol is an industry-led process, Ofcom and Government are working together with communications providers to ensure consumers and sectors are protected and prepared for the upgrade process.
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government is determined to ensure that any and all risks incurred during the industry-led migration from the analogue landline network to voice over internet protocol are mitigated. On 18 November 2024, the Department published guidance for communication providers on how to identify and support customers when their landline migrates. This includes customers who are landline dependent, many of which live in rural communities.
The Department also published a checklist of activities that communication providers should take before migrating customers to voice over internet protocol without their active consent. We expect providers to meet the safeguards set out in this checklist to keep customers – including those in rural communities - safe throughout the migration.
Ofcom reports that 2024 saw 45% more service incidents on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) compared to 2023, resulting in a 55% increase in the number of service hours lost. Retaining the PSTN would increase the risks of outages which would have a negative impact on consumers.
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government is determined to ensure that any and all risks incurred during the industry-led migration from the analogue landline network to voice over internet protocol are mitigated. On 18 November 2024, the Department published guidance for communication providers on how to identify and support customers when their landline migrates. This includes customers who are landline dependent, many of which live in rural communities.
The Department also published a checklist of activities that communication providers should take before migrating customers to voice over internet protocol without their active consent. We expect providers to meet the safeguards set out in this checklist to keep customers – including those in rural communities - safe throughout the migration.
Ofcom reports that 2024 saw 45% more service incidents on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) compared to 2023, resulting in a 55% increase in the number of service hours lost. Retaining the PSTN would increase the risks of outages which would have a negative impact on consumers.
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
A Project Gigabit contract for Cumbria has been awarded to the broadband supplier Fibrus. Discussion on the inclusion of the parishes of Warcop, Hilton, Murton and Ormside within the contract is currently underway with Fibrus, with the aim of reaching an agreement by the end of December 2024.
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government understands how important it is that everyone can access information in times of national emergency and that television has a role to play in providing such access. The Government’s project looking into the future of TV distribution is considering a range of relevant factors, including resilience. It is important that audiences continue to receive consistent levels of service regardless of how they receive their television, and ensuring that this can happen will be a priority for the project.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government’s project on the future of TV distribution is seeking to understand how people receive their television now and in the next decade. This will inform any decision concerning the future of digital terrestrial television services after 2034.
As part of this process, a wide range of views are being sought from across the TV sector, audience groups and infrastructure, including through a stakeholder forum that I chair. Membership of the Stakeholder Forum includes a number of groups representing rural, older and lower income audiences, including the Rural Services Network, Silver Voices and Digital Poverty Alliance.
In addition to independent research led by Exeter University and published last year, the Government has commissioned follow up research to understand in more detail the specific preferences, motivations and barriers regarding TV viewing among a variety of groups including rural, older and low-income households.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The government is clear that children’s wellbeing must be at the heart of statutory guidance on teaching relationships, sex and health education and, as such, the department is looking carefully at responses to the public consultation conducted last year, considering the relevant evidence and discussing with stakeholders before setting out next steps to make sure the guidance draws from the best available evidence.
Minister of State (Education)
I refer the hon. Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale to the answer of 29 January 2025 to Question 26025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The government acknowledges the significant impact of our world-leading higher education (HE) sector. As both educational and research institutions, these universities make a vital contribution to our economy, society, and to industry and innovation.
The department appreciates the impact of the increased Teachers‘ Pension Scheme employer contribution rate on some HE providers and is working with departmental officials and stakeholders across the sector to better understand the impact of this issue.
We are also reviewing options to deliver a more robust HE sector and will set out a long-term plan for reform by summer 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The government acknowledges the significant impact of our world-leading higher education (HE) sector. As both educational and research institutions, these universities make a vital contribution to our economy, society, and to industry and innovation.
The department appreciates the impact of the increased Teachers‘ Pension Scheme employer contribution rate on some HE providers and is working with departmental officials and stakeholders across the sector to better understand the impact of this issue.
We are also reviewing options to deliver a more robust HE sector and will set out a long-term plan for reform by summer 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The department is examining what provision will best meet the needs of employers and students in this important sector, which plays an important role in Cumbria.
There are 143 level 2 and level 3 qualifications in the hospitality and catering sector for 16-19 year olds that are approved for funding in 2024/2025. Catering qualifications are not due to be defunded as part of the post 16 qualifications reform.
There is a wide range of support and guidance available for employers and providers to ensure that T Level students have a high quality experience on their industry placement. This includes workshops, webinars, continuing professional development support and online guidance. Providers also receive £550 per industry placement student as part of their wider 16-19 funding allocation to support the costs of sourcing and setting up industry placements and can use their 16-19 bursary funding to support disadvantaged students to access placements.
The latest data shows that 78% of 2021 T Level starters who completed an industry placement were ‘very’ or ‘quite satisfied’ with it.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
30 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Questions
(View all Tim Farron's Defra questions)On 8 May, the UK Government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. This delivers on the commitment by the Prime Minister and the President on 27 February to agree an economic deal in our respective national interests.
We have always been clear that this Government will protect British farmers, secure our food security, and uphold our high food, animal welfare, and environmental standards in trade deals. That is exactly what we have done and will continue to do.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
On 8 May, the UK Government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. This delivers on the commitment by the Prime Minister and the President on 27 February to agree an economic deal in our respective national interests.
We have always been clear that this Government will protect British farmers, secure our food security, and uphold our high food, animal welfare, and environmental standards in trade deals. That is exactly what we have done and will continue to do.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
On 8 May, the UK Government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. This delivers on the commitment by the Prime Minister and the President on 27 February to agree an economic deal in our respective national interests.
This deal has created a reciprocal agreement to lower tariffs for British beef exporters to the US, while acting in the UK’s national interest by ensuring that we uphold our rigorous food standards while protecting our farmers.
The agreement on beef means that around 1.5% of the UK beef market could come from the United States, and the same quantity of British beef can be exported to them.
We have always been clear that this Government will protect British farmers, secure our food security, and uphold our high food, animal welfare, and environmental standards in trade deals. That is exactly what we have done and will continue to do.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The UK maintains high standards on the information provided both online and on food labels and packaging so that consumers can have confidence in the food that they buy.
A range of Defra guidance is available on the Gov.uk platform for both consumers and retailers. This guidance sets out the requirements for general food labelling and specific product labelling, including details on the country of origin for beef and other meats.
Defra guidance on food labelling, including country of origin for beef products, is kept under regular review to ensure it remains accurate, up to date, and in line with current labelling regulations.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
We are unable to provide detailed information prior to 2022 due to time/cost involved. Limited landscape designation work was delivered and funding for this was from Natural England’s baseline’ settlement.
Defra provided direct funding of £1.1 million per annum for years 2022/23 - 2024/25. As well as the four National Landscape designation cases, this covered wider work on landscape designations and alternatives.
For 2025/26 the direct funding for National Landscape designation work was not continued. Natural England is using baseline budget to fund a reduced programme of landscape designation work.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The localised hotspot in Newcastle-upon-Tyne is located on Stephenson Road A1058. The high nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations observed here are due to several local factors including high traffic volumes, queuing traffic, an incline in the road that requires vehicle acceleration and overhanging trees that partially trap pollution. There is considerable uncertainty in the estimate of when this location will become compliant with the annual mean NO2 limit value. The rest of Newcastle-upon-Tyne is expected to become compliant by 2029.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The answer to Question 39816 was based on a combination of data from the 2023 national compliance assessment and additional local monitoring data that does not typically meet the requirements for formal national reporting but was included in the response for completeness. The national assessment is designed to meet the location and data quality requirements of the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 which seek to represent general exposure to air pollution, rather than local pollution hotspots. For this reason, the answer to Question 39816 captured some additional locations where nitrogen dioxide concentrations in 2023 were above 40µg/m3.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The most recent national compliance assessment for 2023 reported one road link in the South East non-agglomeration zone as being in exceedance of the annual mean limit value for nitrogen dioxide. This road link is a stretch of the A34 in the Vale of White Horse. We don’t hold up-to-date detailed modelled projections to predict the impact of all current policies on future NO2 concentrations, however current indicative estimates suggest that this road link will become compliant with the limit value in 2028.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
There are currently no plans to assess the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010. We assess the effectiveness of schemes to reduce nitrogen dioxide through the NO2 Programme’s evaluation programme. In addition, the revised Environmental Improvement Plan, due to be published later this year will review and clarify targets set under the Environment Act 2021.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Predicting when locations will comply with the annual mean limit value for nitrogen dioxide is inherently uncertain. Our current estimates reflect the impact of agreed local Clean Air Plans and are based on 2023 data from Defra’s national monitoring networks and national modelling, as well as local authority-owned air quality monitoring and modelling. 2023 is the most recent year of fully ratified monitoring data available. As additional years of data become available or where additional measures are agreed some of these predictions are likely to change. Current estimates for when the following reporting zones will become compliant are:
West Midlands Urban Area | 2032 |
Bristol Urban Area | 2031 |
Sheffield Urban Area | 2031 |
The Potteries | 2032 |
South East | 2028 |
West Yorkshire Urban Area | 2029 |
Coventry and Bedworth | 2026 |
Liverpool Urban Area | 2029 |
Greater London Urban Area | 2024 |
Greater Manchester Urban Area | 2026 |
Nottingham Urban Area | 2024 |
Portsmouth Urban Area | 2026 |
Reading and Wokingham Urban Area | 2024 |
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Predicting when locations will comply with the annual mean limit value for nitrogen dioxide is inherently uncertain. Our current estimates reflect the impact of agreed local Clean Air Plans and are based on 2023 data from Defra’s national monitoring networks and national modelling, as well as local authority-owned air quality monitoring and modelling. 2023 is the most recent year of fully ratified monitoring data available. As additional years of data become available or where additional measures are agreed some of these predictions are likely to change. Current estimates for when the following reporting zones will become compliant are:
West Midlands Urban Area | 2032 |
Bristol Urban Area | 2031 |
Sheffield Urban Area | 2031 |
The Potteries | 2032 |
South East | 2028 |
West Yorkshire Urban Area | 2029 |
Coventry and Bedworth | 2026 |
Liverpool Urban Area | 2029 |
Greater London Urban Area | 2024 |
Greater Manchester Urban Area | 2026 |
Nottingham Urban Area | 2024 |
Portsmouth Urban Area | 2026 |
Reading and Wokingham Urban Area | 2024 |
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Predicting when locations will comply with the annual mean limit value for nitrogen dioxide is inherently uncertain. Our current estimates reflect the impact of agreed local Clean Air Plans and are based on 2023 data from Defra’s national monitoring networks and national modelling, as well as local authority-owned air quality monitoring and modelling. 2023 is the most recent year of fully ratified monitoring data available. As additional years of data become available or where additional measures are agreed some of these predictions are likely to change. Current estimates for when the following reporting zones will become compliant are:
West Midlands Urban Area | 2032 |
Bristol Urban Area | 2031 |
Sheffield Urban Area | 2031 |
The Potteries | 2032 |
South East | 2028 |
West Yorkshire Urban Area | 2029 |
Coventry and Bedworth | 2026 |
Liverpool Urban Area | 2029 |
Greater London Urban Area | 2024 |
Greater Manchester Urban Area | 2026 |
Nottingham Urban Area | 2024 |
Portsmouth Urban Area | 2026 |
Reading and Wokingham Urban Area | 2024 |
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The most recent national compliance assessment for 2023 did not report any road links within 10 miles of Heathrow Airport to be in exceedance of the annual mean limit value for nitrogen dioxide.
Local monitoring as part of the Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) process shows a small number of measurements in 2023 above 40µg/m3 at sites within a 10-mile radius of Heathrow Airport. There were single measurement sites above 40µg/m3 in the London Boroughs of Brent (A404), Wandsworth (A3), Richmond (A205), Merton (A219) and Kensington & Chelsea (A3220), and three measurement sites in Ealing (A4020, A40 and A406). National Highways’ assessments also indicated concentrations above 40µg/m3 at four road links on the Strategic Road Network (SRN). These are in the London Boroughs of Hounslow (two road links on the M4), Hillingdon (M4), and Spelthorne (A316). Air quality assessments under LAQM are assessed differently to the national assessment as they are focused on targeting local pollution hotspots which may occur in locations that don’t meet the data quality requirements for the national assessment.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The most recent national compliance assessment for 2023 did not report any road links within 10 miles of Gatwick Airport to be in exceedance of the annual mean limit value for nitrogen dioxide. There were also no exceedances reported through the Local Air Quality Management process in 2023.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
There have been no discussions with the Office for Environmental Protection on this topic.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The farming blog published on Wednesday 12th March set out Defra’s spend for 24/25 and 25/26 split across the Farming and Countryside Programme schemes.
Defra manages the farming budget flexibly to respond to demand, and achieve our intended outcomes for farm productivity, environment, climate and animal health and welfare.
In line with its obligations under the Agriculture Act 2020, Defra regularly publishes an annual report, setting out commitments in the previous financial year.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The revised Environmental Improvement Plan is due to include further details on fine particulate matter targets set under the Environment Act 2021.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The government has worked closely with industry, including the brewing and hospitality sectors, throughout development of Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR). This is a major reform that will be iterated over several years to incentivise packaging producers to reduce their material footprint and use more sustainable packaging.
Since Autumn 2024, the Government has been working with stakeholders, including representatives of the brewing and hospitality sector, to consider potential amendments to the definition of household packaging. Despite considering multiple approaches, a consensus on a single approach that works for all sectors and within the bounds of legal and regulatory requirements, was not reached. We are continuing to engage with sectors on a way forward and on assessing the tonnages of packaging any amendment might affect in the hospitality sector and in other sectors. We are planning next steps as a priority and will share more information soon.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme (FVAS) runs from 01 January – 31 December. In relation to the 2023 scheme year, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) received 32 successful applications by recognised Producer Organisations (POs). There were no unsuccessful applications during the same period.
The scheme was first introduced in 1996 and the number of UK-recognised Producer Organisations (POs) has varied overtime, but now there are 32 F&V POs across the UK. Each recognized PO will submit an application for an operational programme (OP) or amendment to that OP each year.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The farming blog published on Wednesday 12 March set out Defra’s spend for 24/25 and 25/26 split across the Farming and Countryside Programme schemes.
Defra manages the farming budget flexibly to respond to demand, and achieve our intended outcomes for farm productivity, environment, climate and animal health and welfare.
In line with its obligations under the Agriculture Act 2020, Defra regularly publishes an annual report, setting out commitments in the previous financial year.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Prior to 2021 the scheme was EU funded. The Secretary of State did not allocate any direct funding to The Fruit & Vegetable Aid Scheme started in 2021 governed by EU rules before this time. Since then, £117,794,154.23 has been spent
The breakdown of actual UK funding spent on the scheme post EU exit is as follows:
2021 - £39,056,567.83 (£35,999,480.17 England only)
2022 - £40,110,883.98 (£34,460,975.86 England only)
2023 - £38,626,702.42 (£35,393,728.71 England only)
2024 - claims still being assessed.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Our Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs), funded by a farming budget of £5 billion over two years, are paying farmers to take up land management practices that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Government has also spent £51.8 million through the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP), with a further £98 million committed to ongoing projects in support of Agri-technology research and innovation. FIP competitions for 2025/26 will include up to £12.5 million for the Net Zero Farming thematic competition.
Since 2021, Defra’s Farming Investment Fund awarded more than 11,000 grants worth over £130 million to farmers, growers and foresters to invest in technology, equipment and infrastructure, much of which supports low carbon farming practices. Of this, £107 million was through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF). The next window of FETF will launch in Spring 2025.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The extent of emissions reductions required by Defra sectors in order to deliver the Government’s overall Carbon Budgets is determined by a cross-Government decision making process led by DESNZ. Underpinning this is the UKTM (UK Times Model).
This takes assumptions on the ‘baseline’ trajectory for emissions informed by the annual Emissions and Energy Projections and seeks to determine what interventions can achieve the lowest cost pathway to achieving Net Zero, accounting for the Government’s energy and growth plans.
The Carbon Budget Delivery Plan provides the specific estimates on the extent of emissions reductions required in Defra sectors.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Under the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 where levels of pollutants are below the set limit values, they must continue to be maintained. We have also set a Population Exposure Reduction Target for PM2.5, which will continue to reduce peoples’ average exposure across the country.
The Government is committed to working with local authorities and stakeholders to continue reducing air pollution and its harmful effects.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Under the Air Quality Standards Regulations (2010), there is a requirement to meet annual mean limit values for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) of 40μg/m3. This is an ongoing requirement and does not expire once the limit value has been met in a single reporting year.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
As an independent public body set up to hold public authorities to account, the OEP does not routinely share information regarding specific complaints with Defra unless those complaints relate directly to Defra and are considered eligible by the OEP. To date, the OEP has notified us of one complaint in relation to this topic. The OEP publishes a quarterly complaints report on their website providing an overview of the complaints received and ongoing enforcement activity. They also publish information relating to individual casework where investigations have been launched and resolutions achieved.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The key legislation that details how and where air pollutant concentration standards apply in England are the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 and the Environment Act Targets (Fine Particulate Matter) Targets (England) 2023. Requirements for local air quality management are set out in the Environment Act 1995 requiring local authorities to review and assess air quality concentrations in their areas.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The key legislation that details how and where air pollutant concentration standards apply in England are the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 and the Environment Act Targets (Fine Particulate Matter) Targets (England) 2023. Requirements for local air quality management are set out in the Environment Act 1995 requiring local authorities to review and assess air quality concentrations in their areas.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Trends on air pollutant concentrations can be found in Defra’s annual compliance reporting here.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)