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 he has had with the Circular Economy Taskforce on reducing waste in his Department.

On 27 March, the Secretary of State gave a speech on circular economy to leading industry practitioners, in which he announced that the Government’s upcoming Circular Economy Strategy for England will focus first on five priority sectors: agrifood; built environment; chemicals and plastics; textiles; and transport. The Taskforce has already begun extensive engagement with industry leaders, trade associations, and other key stakeholders to ensure that the Strategy reflects the needs and insights of all involved.

The Taskforce works closely with officials across its areas of interest, including waste reduction, who provide regular advice to Ministers on the Taskforce’s work and progress.