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

To ask His Majesty's Government how many meetings (1) Ministers, and (2) officials in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have held with (a) businesses, and (b) trade associations, on the design of regulations under Schedule 17 to the Environment Act 2021 since 5 July 2024.

This Government plans to consult later this year on the GB approach to deforestation, including on the design of regulations under Schedule 17 of the Environment Act 2021. Defra has been continually engaging with businesses and trade associations in the run-up to consultation (including at least 5 meetings in 2025 and at least 17 meetings in 2026) and will continue close engagement to seek views and encourage responses from businesses and trade associations on our proposed approach.