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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the National Drought Group last reviewed drought preparedness plans; and what the findings were.

The National Drought Group, chaired by the Environment Agency, last met on 18 June 2026 to review drought preparedness and assess water resource conditions. The Group concluded that although drought risk was currently low with most companies reporting adequate water resources, further heatwaves may change this assessment. It was agreed continued monitoring and early preparedness action was required in response to hot, dry weather.