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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what will be the role of the Natural Environment Research Council in guiding and monitoring their 25-year plan for improving the environment; and which areas of research will be of greatest importance.

In light of the publication of the 25 Year Environment Plan, we are reviewing our evidence requirements and will ensure that we will continue to engage fully with the Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) as we explore synergies between our programmes. We have a very positive relationship with NERC in delivering long-term support for policies that have national and international importance and we are keen to build on this. Such cooperation enables us to co-design research programmes, helping to ensure that NERC’s strategic investments are appropriate, support excellent research and tackle environmental challenges.