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

To ask His Majesty's Government why they consider the removal of white-fronted geese from Schedule 2(1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to be necessary to protect Greenland white-fronted geese.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Natural England provided an evidence dossier for the European white-fronted goose as part of a recent Government consultation which proposes removing this species from Schedule 2.1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in England. The dossier concludes that such a removal would act as an additional safeguard for protecting (from accidental shooting) individuals of the population of globally endangered Greenland white-fronted goose occurring in England. UK Government Ministers agreed with this assessment.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government how many European white-fronted geese have been shot at the Northumberland Wildlife Trust reserve Grindon Lough in the open season in each of the last ten years.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Natural England (NE) provided an evidence dossier for the European white-fronted goose as part of a recent government consultation. While the dossier notes Grindon Lough as a site where Greenland white-fronted geese overwinter, Grindon Lough is not an SSSI and neither NE nor the Government holds information on how many European white-fronted geese have been shot at this location in the open season in the last ten years.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of shooting pressure on the European white-fronted goose in England and Wales on the overall population of the European white-fronted goose in Europe, in line with the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of shooting pressure on the European white-fronted goose in England and Wales on the overall population of the European white-fronted goose in Europe. Natural England provided an evidence dossier for the European white-fronted goose as part of a recent government consultation which proposes removing this species from Schedule 2.1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It states that the European white-fronted goose shooting take in England and Wales numbers less than 100 each year, based on research estimates.

The dossier also notes that numbers in Europe ‘appear to be stable’. Latest estimates suggest that the European population of European white-fronted goose totals 1–1.4 million individuals, whereas the British population totals 1,500 individuals. This offers some context to the relatively small proportion of the European population at risk of shooting pressure in England.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to adding brent goose to Schedule 2(1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government has recently launched a consultation on amending Schedule 2.1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Though the thrust of the consultation is proposing to remove certain species from Schedule 2.1, or to extend the close seasons of others, the consultation proposes adding woodpigeon to Schedule 2.1 as it applies in England, Scotland and Wales. The consultation asks consultees if any other species should be added to Schedule 2.1 in England, Scotland or Wales, and for evidence or reasoning to support any such suggestions. If suggestions for brent goose being added to Schedule 2.1 are supported with compelling evidence or reasoning, the UK government will consider such a measure for England.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government how many Greenland white-fronted geese have been shot accidentally in England in the open season for European white-fronted goose in each of the last ten years.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government does not hold information on how many Greenland white-fronted geese have been shot accidentally in England in the open season for European white-fronted geese in the last ten years. The published Conservation Brief for the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) International Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation of the Greenland White-fronted Goose makes clear that “accidental take remains a risk in England where European whitefronts remain a quarry species.”

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

To ask His Majesty's Government why they propose to remove Goldeneye from Schedule 2(1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act; and what evidence there is that shooting is impacting Goldeneye population and sustainability.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Natural England (NE) provided an evidence dossier for the goldeneye as part of a recent government consultation which proposes removing this species from Schedule 2.1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in England. NE recommended that the Government should remove goldeneye from Schedule 2.1 to reduce the potential impact of hunting on the breeding and non-breeding populations, based on the precautionary principle, until more accurate data is available to show that recreational shooting can be managed on a sustainable basis. UK Government Ministers agreed with this assessment.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government which Minister in the House of Commons has responsibility for non-farmed animal welfare.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Minister of State (Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs), Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP, has responsibility for animal welfare in the House of Commons.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many instances of fly tipping have been recorded on the public forest estate in each of the last 10 years.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Forestry England and Forestry Commission are required to report operational waste volumes by category under the Greening Government Commitments (GGC) to Defra. There is no requirement to record or report the number of fly-tipping incidents.

Due to the size of our estate and available resources, it has historically proven impractical to systematically record all instances of fly tipping. Forestry England does not therefore hold complete historical records for the period requested. The number of instances that have been recorded across the public forest estate are as follows:

2016-17: 18 instances

2017-18: 11 instances

2018-19: 111 instances

2019-20: 88 instances

2020-21: 164 instances

2021-22: 116 instances

2022-23: 76 instances

2023-24: 683 instances

2024-25: 57 instances

2025-26: 53 instances

Since 2023-24 Forestry England has put in place additional mechanisms to record collected waste categorised as fly tip through our national waste contract with Green Zone. This has been recorded in tonnes, rather than as individual instances. Reported data for the past three financial years:

2023-24: 218.98 tonnes

2024-25: 181.01 tonnes

2025-26: 178.62 tonnes

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her answer of 12th February 2026 to Question UIN 111664, how many of the 3,281 documents for which an Annex VII was submitted between 28th October 2025 and 2nd February 2026 have (a) have now passed the revised sixteen week deadline and (b) of that number how many have not supplied sufficient geo-tagged photographic information within 16 weeks.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Following a reconciliation process, the Environment Agency confirms that 3,277 Annex VII forms were submitted at least 3 days prior to shipment between 28 October 2025 and 2 February 2026. This minor amendment results from shipments being initially reported which were out of scope.

Of the 3,277 shipments, 1,398 exceeded the 16-week deadline (30 March 2026) to provide post-shipment information.

Of these 1398 shipments, the Environment Agency has:

• received 820 post-shipment Annex VII forms that consist of:
  • 287 complete post-shipment Annex VII forms with geotagged evidence demonstrating the shipment arrived at the intended recovery facility in India
  • 533 post-shipment Annex VII forms that are considered non-compliant to varying extents because of missing, incomplete or incorrect information including issues with geotagging. The Environment Agency has followed up on each of these with further compliance and enforcement activity

• followed up on all of the 548 shipments that still have information pending after the 16-week deadline. This can include serving prohibition notice, issuing a warning or requesting further information.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help tackle waste crime in North East Somerset and Hanham constituency.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government published its new Waste Crime Action Plan on 20 March which is the toughest ever crackdown on illegal waste. We will tighten regulation to close the loopholes criminals exploit, enable tougher enforcement to disrupt and punish them, and direct action to clean up the damage they leave behind.

The Government is committed to tackling waste crime in North East Somerset and Hanham. We are strengthening the Environment Agency’s enforcement powers and funding, and supporting joint working with Bath and North East Somerset Council and the local police services. Across the constituency, the Environment Agency is using intelligence led inspections and investigations to identify illegal waste activity, take enforcement action, and disrupt organised waste crime, protecting local communities and the environment, and ensuring waste is managed responsibly locally.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the feasibility and ecological impact of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx to woodland areas in England.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra has not undertaken any formal assessment of the feasibility and ecological impact of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx to woodland areas in England.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a dedicated chalk stream action in the Sustainable Farm Incentive.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Sustainable Farming Incentive already contains a wide range of actions to protect and enhance the watercourses of England. These include a range of buffer and habitat strips that can be used adjacent to water bodies and further actions for low intensity farming for use within the wider catchments. Where more specialised management is required, additional actions are available in Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier that can be tailored by Natural England advisers to meet the needs of specific sites, including chalk streams.

The Government is developing the strongest programme on record for tackling water pollution from agriculture. This includes spending £2 billion a year by April 2028 on Environmental Land Management schemes to provide particular benefits for water, nature and the wider environment. These nationwide actions will benefit chalk streams as well as other water bodies.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of establishing ring-fenced funding for chalk stream restoration in the Water Restoration Fund.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is investing £1.8 million through the Water Restoration Fund (WRF) and Water Environment Improvement Fund (WEIF) for locally-led chalk stream clean-up projects.

On 20 January this year the Government announced that it is reinvesting £29 million from water company fines into local projects to clean up our environment. This includes investment in WEIF to support over 100 projects which will improve 450km of rivers, restore 650 acres of natural habitats and plant 100,000 new trees – and will include projects which support chalk streams.

Chalk streams are incredible source of national pride. As one of Britain’s most nature rich habitats, they support some of our rarest wildlife and the Government is committed to taking measures to protect them.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Water Restoration Fund will open for new applications.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is investing £1.8 million through the Water Restoration Fund (WRF) and Water Environment Improvement Fund (WEIF) for locally-led chalk stream clean-up projects.

On 20 January this year the Government announced that it is reinvesting £29 million from water company fines into local projects to clean up our environment. This includes investment in WEIF to support over 100 projects which will improve 450km of rivers, restore 650 acres of natural habitats and plant 100,000 new trees – and will include projects which support chalk streams.

Chalk streams are incredible source of national pride. As one of Britain’s most nature rich habitats, they support some of our rarest wildlife and the Government is committed to taking measures to protect them.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help increase accountability in the water sector in the West of England.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

For too long, water companies paid out billions in dividends while pumping sewage into our rivers. This Government is ending that. The Water White Paper creates a single regulator, prevention-focused enforcement, and tougher laws: banning bonuses for failure and ensuring water works for customers, not just shareholders.

To truly turn around the water sector we need the right people in to do the job. We want the sector to be attractive to high quality senior leaders, acting in the public interest, who can lead change from the top.

To achieve this, the Government committed in the White Paper to consider taking forward a new regime for senior accountability. This would be carefully designed to ensure senior leaders are directly accountable for the service customers receive, whilst still allowing water companies to appoint capable leadership

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of bottom trawling on (a) the environment and (b) marine life.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Bottom trawling can damage the seabed and marine life if used in the wrong place but also provides catch that is important for food production and supports the fishing industry. Defra is taking an evidence‑based approach to managing fishing impacts.

This includes taking steps to ensure that our Marine Protected Areas are properly protected. The Marine Management Organisation last year ran a consultation on proposals to restrict bottom trawling in a further 41 Marine Protected Areas, following an assessment of the impacts. It is now carefully analysing the large number of responses received, and decisions will be made in due course.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Animal Law Foundation's report entitled A Pig’s Tail: How Europe is moving beyond routine tail docking, published in April 2026, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the levels of pig tail docking.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

As the Government made clear in the Animal Welfare Strategy for England, we take the issue of pig tail docking very seriously. Working with industry and the veterinary profession to reduce the prevalence of tail docking is a priority. The Government will be carefully reviewing the Animal Law Foundation’s report as it considers the appropriate next steps.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she intends to publish an answer to Question 118227, tabled on 5 March 2026, on Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Secondment.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

An answer to Question 118227 was published on 16 April 2026.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Government consultation response of 12 June 2025 on fairer food labelling, whether she has assessed the potential merits of mandating country-of-origin labelling for (a) fish and; (b) seafood products imported from the Faroe Islands.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Food labelling rules require country of origin information for some fish products. The Government has not undertaken a specific assessment of mandating country of origin labelling requirements for fish or seafood products imported from the Faroe Islands in cases where it is not already required. Food labelling requirements are kept under review to ensure they provide clear information for consumers, while remaining proportionate and consistent with wider regulatory and trade considerations.

Defra officials continue to look at how the origin for food products may be better highlighted to ensure consumers can make informed choices wherever they purchase food.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps is she taking to improve food security.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The UK has a resilient food supply chain and is equipped to deal with situations with the potential to cause disruption. Defra works with industry and across Government to monitor risks that may arise. This includes extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply chains. Food security is a core national priority. Resilience is strengthened by strong domestic production - producing 65% of the food we eat, and diverse import sources through stable trade routes. The Government is supporting the food sector by investing £11.8bn this Parliament to support sustainable farming and domestic food production.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will instruct the Rural Payments Agency to implement a manual system to process applications for ELM schemes on Common land.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) recognises the importance of commons to the delivery of environmental outcomes. The RPA is currently assessing how common land can access Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier and is actively exploring both on and off system options, testing feasibility. Once this assessment is complete, the RPA will engage external stakeholders to discuss its planned approach.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps her Department have taken to end the routine culling of male chicks.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 21 January 2026 to the hon. Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole, PQ UIN 105878.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of agricultural machinery accidents on the rural economy; and if she will consider including AI-driven safety equipment within the scope of future Farming Equipment and Technology Fund grants.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government recognises the importance of reducing agricultural machinery accidents, no specific assessment has been made on its impact on the rural economy. As announced, FETF 2026 is intended to be the final round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund. The Government wishes to build on what has worked well across all its grant schemes with the aim of bringing the strongest elements together from 2027. As part of this work, it will look at the specific types of equipment and technology that could be included, including consideration of the role of AI-driven safety equipment.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to encourage the adoption of (a) advanced safety technology and (b) Human Form Recognition systems on agricultural machinery to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities involving (i) farm workers and (ii) members of the public.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Through the Farming Innovation Programme, the Government is providing £50 million as part the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) fund to support on farm trials and adoption of the latest agricultural equipment. This can support farmer-led, smaller-scale innovation grants to trial and test new equipment and methods such as new advanced safety technologies aimed at reducing on-farm accidents.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that expertise in sustainability, agroecology, and nature friendly farming is incorporated into the development of the Horticulture Sector Growth Plan.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is committed to ensuring that the Horticulture Sector Growth Plan integrates expertise in sustainability, agroecology and nature friendly farming. This expertise will shape the plan’s approach to productivity, innovation and nature friendly farming, including the transition away from peat. Delivering this transition will require the appropriate primary legislative and supporting mechanisms to be in place to provide a clear and enforceable basis.

The establishment of the new Farming and Food Partnership Board and its oversight of sector growth plans is a key part of that process. Following its first meeting, the Board has invited the Horticulture Expert Growers Group to work with the Fruit & Veg Coalition and the Environmental Horticulture Group and immediately begin work on the first Sector Growth Plan for the horticultural sector. This will ensure that the expertise and insights of the horticultural industry are fully considered by the Board.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the commitment to phase out the use of peat in horticulture is included in the sector growth plans for horticulture.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is committed to ensuring that the Horticulture Sector Growth Plan integrates expertise in sustainability, agroecology and nature friendly farming. This expertise will shape the plan’s approach to productivity, innovation and nature friendly farming, including the transition away from peat. Delivering this transition will require the appropriate primary legislative and supporting mechanisms to be in place to provide a clear and enforceable basis.

The establishment of the new Farming and Food Partnership Board and its oversight of sector growth plans is a key part of that process. Following its first meeting, the Board has invited the Horticulture Expert Growers Group to work with the Fruit & Veg Coalition and the Environmental Horticulture Group and immediately begin work on the first Sector Growth Plan for the horticultural sector. This will ensure that the expertise and insights of the horticultural industry are fully considered by the Board.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the effect of the hen harrier taskforce on trends in the level of crimes against hen harriers on grouse moors.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is a principal funder of the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) and is providing £530,000 for the Unit this year. In 2024, the NWCU launched the Hen Harrier Task Force (HTF) – a partnership designed to help tackle the illegal persecution of hen harriers. Through the HTF, more efficient working between partners expedites the coordination of effective enforcement response. The HTF represents a pivotal shift in combating wildlife crime, using innovative technology such as tracking drones and detection dogs to overcome logistical challenges and enhance evidence collection in remote areas.

There is an ongoing review of the HTF which is expected to report to Defra later this year. It will include an overview of confirmed crimes and their locations as well as successes and recommendations for the future.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her department is taking to introduce minimum animal welfare standards for all food imports that are in line with British animal welfare standards for domestic farmers.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the Hon. Member to the reply given to Mr Lee Dillon on 4 February 2026 to PQ UIN 109910.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the risk that jumbo flying squid imported from fisheries in the South Pacific and Argentine shortfin squid imported from the South West Atlantic may be linked to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and human rights abuses.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is committed to tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and addressing associated human rights abuses in global seafood supply chains. The UK has robust regulations in place, including catch certification and traceability requirements, to prevent fish caught through IUU practices from entering the UK market.

The Government currently has no plans to increase specific scrutiny of squid imports from China, nor have we undertaken a species‑specific risk assessment of jumbo flying squid or Argentine shortfin squid. This reflects our assessment that existing controls apply equally across relevant imports and provide appropriate safeguards proportionate to the level of risk identified. Defra will keep its approach under review.

In relation to the South-West Atlantic, Defra continues to seek progress on establishing more coordinated management of high seas fishing activity through relevant international fora. The Government liaise closely with the Falklands Islands Government in relation to this.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department is taking steps to increase scrutiny of squid imports from China.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is committed to tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and addressing associated human rights abuses in global seafood supply chains. The UK has robust regulations in place, including catch certification and traceability requirements, to prevent fish caught through IUU practices from entering the UK market.

The Government currently has no plans to increase specific scrutiny of squid imports from China, nor have we undertaken a species‑specific risk assessment of jumbo flying squid or Argentine shortfin squid. This reflects our assessment that existing controls apply equally across relevant imports and provide appropriate safeguards proportionate to the level of risk identified. Defra will keep its approach under review.

In relation to the South-West Atlantic, Defra continues to seek progress on establishing more coordinated management of high seas fishing activity through relevant international fora. The Government liaise closely with the Falklands Islands Government in relation to this.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2026 to Question 122592 on Electric Vehicles: Hire Services, whether her Department plans to break down the data by owned fleet and hired vehicles.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Data for the Greening Government Commitments framework for 2021-25, including the Government Fleet Commitment (GFC), was collected by Defra and published on GOV.UK. Reporting for the GFC was required for both owned fleet and hired vehicles as set out in the published reporting requirements. For the status of the next set of Greening Government Commitments I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 26 February 2026 to the hon. Member for Bristol Central, PQ UIN 114247.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with representatives of veterinary prescribers regarding the need to reduce antibiotic resistance in animals and the environment.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) regularly speaks to veterinary prescribers through antibiotic stewardship groups. These bring together government, veterinary profession and livestock sector representatives to support responsible use and reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These include:

· The Cattle Antibiotic Guardian Group

· Pig Health and Welfare Council Antimicrobial Usage (AMU) Subgroup

· British Poultry Council Stewardship Group

· Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance (RUMA) Companion Animal and Equine Group

· RUMA Targets Taskforce meetings

· Ruminant Antibiotic Stewardship Roadmap Steering Group

· Medicine Hub Industry Liaison Group

· The electronic Medicine Book (eMB) Pigs Steering Group

These discussions aim to:

· Share research, AMU, AMR, and disease surveillance data

· Promote responsible antibiotic prescribing, storage and disposal

· Encourage creation and uptake of training and guidance, including for vets and animal keepers

· Improve health and disease prevention through herd/flock health planning

· Advise on metrics for monitoring AMU

· Improve accuracy, availability, and coverage of AMU data in livestock, companion animals, and horses

· Encourage antibiotic use data for auditing and benchmarking

· Discuss environmental transmission pathways with veterinary prescribers, and the impact of these on their prescribing

By focusing on stewardship and responsible use of antibiotics in animals, the risk of AMR in animals, and potential subsequent onwards transmission through the environment is reduced.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to ensure eggs imported into the UK will continue to meet the same food safety, traceability and hen welfare standards during the transition to cage-free systems.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

As set out in the UK’s trade strategy, the Government will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage. Where necessary, the Government will be prepared to use the full range of powers at the Government’s disposal to protect the UK’s most sensitive sectors.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether EU Regulation 2023/1542 on batteries and waste batteries will come into force in Northern Ireland before equivalent requirements are introduced in Great Britain; and what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications of businesses operating across the UK internal market.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

No UK Internal Market assessment has been made.

Article 5(4), in conjunction with Article 13(3) of the Windsor Framework, provides that the EU law listed in Annex 2 to the Windsor Framework, including that law as amended or replaced, will apply to and in the UK in respect of Northern Ireland. Consequently, the EU Batteries Regulation has applied in Northern Ireland from 18 February 2024.

Working alongside the Devolved Governments, we are reviewing the UK's producer responsibility legislation for batteries. As part of this review, we are considering aligning with the requirements of the EU Batteries Regulation in Great Britain. My officials held a series of workshops with industry earlier this year to explore this further.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales to combine their flood risk assessment maps.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Environment Agency’s (EA) flood mapping enables delivery of flood and coastal risk management (FCRM) in line with Government policy. EA flood risk is modelled differently from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) because it better supports how flood risk is managed locally and nationally. Border communities may benefit from reviewing flood risk across both nations, and customers can align both nations flood risk mapping should they choose. The EA and NRW do work closely on FCRM cross boundary planning matters.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she will publish any cost‑benefit analyses prepared in relation to managed realignment options under Shoreline Management Plan 6 for the Winterton‑on‑Sea to Scratby coastline within Policy Unit 6.14.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Kelling Hard to Lowestoft Shoreline Management Plan (SMP6), covering Winterton-on-Sea to Scratby, was adopted by Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) in 2012. The plan was developed by a partnership led by North Norfolk District Council, with GYBC, Waveney District Council (now East Suffolk), the Environment Agency (EA) and Natural England. High-level economic appraisal informed policy development and is published within the plan and Appendix H.

GYBC is the Risk Management Authority for the erodible coast between Winterton-on-Sea and Scratby, including Hemsby, and is best placed to carry out detailed assessments of coastal risk management options, costs and benefits using local knowledge and data. In 2018, GYBC published a high-level review of options for managing coastal erosion at Hemsby. The EA recognises the technical and economic challenges associated with providing coastal protection at Hemsby.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether cost‑benefit analyses for managed realignment on the Winterton‑on‑Sea to Scratby coastline within Policy Unit 6.14 include consideration of social, health, and community impacts on affected residents, in addition to economic and environmental factors.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Kelling Hard to Lowestoft Shoreline Management Plan (SMP6), covering Winterton-on-Sea to Scratby, was adopted by Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) in 2012. The plan was developed by a partnership led by North Norfolk District Council, with GYBC, Waveney District Council (now East Suffolk), the Environment Agency (EA) and Natural England. High-level economic appraisal informed policy development and is published within the plan and Appendix H.

GYBC is the Risk Management Authority for the erodible coast between Winterton-on-Sea and Scratby, including Hemsby, and is best placed to carry out detailed assessments of coastal risk management options, costs and benefits using local knowledge and data. In 2018, GYBC published a high-level review of options for managing coastal erosion at Hemsby. The EA recognises the technical and economic challenges associated with providing coastal protection at Hemsby.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what factors are routinely considered in cost‑benefit analyses undertaken in support of managed realignment options under Shoreline Management Plan 6, including whether impacts on residents’ ongoing welfare and well‑being are assessed.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Kelling Hard to Lowestoft Shoreline Management Plan (SMP6), covering Winterton-on-Sea to Scratby, was adopted by Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) in 2012. The plan was developed by a partnership led by North Norfolk District Council, with GYBC, Waveney District Council (now East Suffolk), the Environment Agency (EA) and Natural England. High-level economic appraisal informed policy development and is published within the plan and Appendix H.

GYBC is the Risk Management Authority for the erodible coast between Winterton-on-Sea and Scratby, including Hemsby, and is best placed to carry out detailed assessments of coastal risk management options, costs and benefits using local knowledge and data. In 2018, GYBC published a high-level review of options for managing coastal erosion at Hemsby. The EA recognises the technical and economic challenges associated with providing coastal protection at Hemsby.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the evidence base, appraisal assumptions, and analytical workings used to inform decisions on Policy Unit 6.14 under Shoreline Management Plan 6 will be made publicly available.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Kelling Hard to Lowestoft Shoreline Management Plan (SMP6), covering Winterton-on-Sea to Scratby, was adopted by Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) in 2012. The plan was developed by a partnership led by North Norfolk District Council, with GYBC, Waveney District Council (now East Suffolk), the Environment Agency (EA) and Natural England. High-level economic appraisal informed policy development and is published within the plan and Appendix H.

GYBC is the Risk Management Authority for the erodible coast between Winterton-on-Sea and Scratby, including Hemsby, and is best placed to carry out detailed assessments of coastal risk management options, costs and benefits using local knowledge and data. In 2018, GYBC published a high-level review of options for managing coastal erosion at Hemsby. The EA recognises the technical and economic challenges associated with providing coastal protection at Hemsby.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether there are plans to review the policy approach for Policy Unit 6.14 under Shoreline Management Plan 6, including the Winterton‑on‑Sea to Scratby coastline.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Kelling Hard to Lowestoft Shoreline Management Plan (SMP6), covering Winterton-on-Sea to Scratby, was adopted by Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) in 2012. The plan was developed by a partnership led by North Norfolk District Council, with GYBC, Waveney District Council (now East Suffolk), the Environment Agency (EA) and Natural England. High-level economic appraisal informed policy development and is published within the plan and Appendix H.

GYBC is the Risk Management Authority for the erodible coast between Winterton-on-Sea and Scratby, including Hemsby, and is best placed to carry out detailed assessments of coastal risk management options, costs and benefits using local knowledge and data. In 2018, GYBC published a high-level review of options for managing coastal erosion at Hemsby. The EA recognises the technical and economic challenges associated with providing coastal protection at Hemsby.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what cost‑benefit assessments have been undertaken to support decisions on managed realignment for the Winterton‑on‑Sea to Scratby section of Shoreline Management Plan 6.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Kelling Hard to Lowestoft Shoreline Management Plan (SMP6), covering Winterton-on-Sea to Scratby, was adopted by Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) in 2012. The plan was developed by a partnership led by North Norfolk District Council, with GYBC, Waveney District Council (now East Suffolk), the Environment Agency (EA) and Natural England. High-level economic appraisal informed policy development and is published within the plan and Appendix H.

GYBC is the Risk Management Authority for the erodible coast between Winterton-on-Sea and Scratby, including Hemsby, and is best placed to carry out detailed assessments of coastal risk management options, costs and benefits using local knowledge and data. In 2018, GYBC published a high-level review of options for managing coastal erosion at Hemsby. The EA recognises the technical and economic challenges associated with providing coastal protection at Hemsby.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government, with reference to the agreement noted in the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Communiqué, published on 5 February, to use a joined-up approach to take forward legislation to ban the use of peat in horticulture, whether that joint legislation would include Northern Ireland; and what plans they have to prioritise the introduction of legislation to end peat sales.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government is committed to protecting our nature-rich habitats, including peat bogs. As part of this, the Government has pledged to legislate for a ban on the sale of peat and peat-containing products when Parliamentary time allows. This commitment is reflected in the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP).

Peat protection policy in Northern Ireland is a devolved matter. Defra Ministers have responded recently, agreeing to representations from Devolved Governments to work collaboratively and adopt a UK-wide approach.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government how the farming roadmap will support farmers to adapt to climate impacts whole maintaining resilient domestic food production.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is working with farmers, farming and environmental organisations to develop the Farming Roadmap, which will set the direction for farming in England to 2050. The Government’s aim is to maintain food production, meet our environmental outcomes, and deliver a thriving and profitable farming sector.

The Roadmap will set out how farming will need to evolve in response to changing markets, technologies, and environmental pressures, including how Government will support that transition. It will present an honest picture of the current realities in farming and outline how the sector can adapt and evolve to meet future needs.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to raise public (a) awareness and (b) understanding of lawful and responsible trail riding.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that all users of the countryside understand how to access and enjoy it lawfully and responsibly. Public access, including for horse riders, is supported by the Countryside Code, which promotes responsible enjoyment of the outdoors, respect for others and protection of the natural environment. This includes keeping to permitted routes, leaving gates as found, and minimising damage to paths and surrounding land.

At a local level, highway authorities also play an important role in raising awareness of lawful and responsible use. They are responsible for managing and maintaining public rights of way, including keeping them free from obstruction, and for producing Rights of Way Improvement Plans (ROWIPs), which assess needs and set out planned improvements. The Government encourages riders to engage with their local authority and review their area’s ROWIP to understand planned improvements and raise concerns about bridleway connectivity and condition.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether a written assessment of the commercial impact on existing private sector BNG technology providers was completed before the Alpha phase of contract C24064 was approved.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The statutory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metric is a Government‑owned tool and is currently only available to users in spreadsheet format. The existing tool has well‑recognised issues relating to accessibility, usability, and data integrity, which the Government's digitisation project will address. Contract C24064 is for Application Development Services and provides digital specialist support and programme delivery capability. The Discovery phase of the BNG metric digitisation project explored a wide range of user needs and potential options and does not represent a delivery commitment. Discovery reports are not routinely published but can be made available on request. Defra first became aware of written representations from private sector companies alleging procedural irregularities in the BNG metric digitisation procurement on 4 March 2026. Checks were undertaken to make sure the work is following due process. User research activities conducted during the Discovery phase were reviewed and found to be compliant with Government standards for research, and therefore further advice has not been sought. We are keen to work with private sector BNG technology providers to ensure digitisation of the BNG metric is a success.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what was the total value of non-contractual severance payments across the department in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings on 26 March 2026, PQ UIN 121696.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many departmental employees were on performance management plans in (a) 2023, (b) 2024, and (c) 2025.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The requested data is not held centrally in a reportable format.

However, Defra is committed to thorough performance management and has in place robust processes to ensure that those who fall below the expected standards are supported to improve in a timely manner. Those who cannot improve their performance, despite this additional support, may be dismissed.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether DEFRA has established whether Equal Experts, in conducting the BNG Metric Tool Discovery phase under contract C24064, accessed software products developed by private sector BNG technology companies without those companies' knowledge or consent; and whether her Department has asked this question of Equal Experts in writing.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The statutory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metric is a Government‑owned tool and is currently only available to users in spreadsheet format. The existing tool has well‑recognised issues relating to accessibility, usability, and data integrity, which the Government's digitisation project will address. Contract C24064 is for Application Development Services and provides digital specialist support and programme delivery capability. The Discovery phase of the BNG metric digitisation project explored a wide range of user needs and potential options and does not represent a delivery commitment. Discovery reports are not routinely published but can be made available on request. Defra first became aware of written representations from private sector companies alleging procedural irregularities in the BNG metric digitisation procurement on 4 March 2026. Checks were undertaken to make sure the work is following due process. User research activities conducted during the Discovery phase were reviewed and found to be compliant with Government standards for research, and therefore further advice has not been sought. We are keen to work with private sector BNG technology providers to ensure digitisation of the BNG metric is a success.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will publish the Equal Experts Discovery Report, including appendices and supporting research materials, before further public expenditure on the Alpha and Beta phases of the BNG metric digitisation programme.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The statutory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metric is a Government‑owned tool and is currently only available to users in spreadsheet format. The existing tool has well‑recognised issues relating to accessibility, usability, and data integrity, which the Government's digitisation project will address. Contract C24064 is for Application Development Services and provides digital specialist support and programme delivery capability. The Discovery phase of the BNG metric digitisation project explored a wide range of user needs and potential options and does not represent a delivery commitment. Discovery reports are not routinely published but can be made available on request. Defra first became aware of written representations from private sector companies alleging procedural irregularities in the BNG metric digitisation procurement on 4 March 2026. Checks were undertaken to make sure the work is following due process. User research activities conducted during the Discovery phase were reviewed and found to be compliant with Government standards for research, and therefore further advice has not been sought. We are keen to work with private sector BNG technology providers to ensure digitisation of the BNG metric is a success.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on what date her Department first became aware of written representations from private sector companies alleging procedural irregularities in the BNG metric digitisation procurement; what steps her Department has taken in response to those representations; and whether her Department has sought advice from the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The statutory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metric is a Government‑owned tool and is currently only available to users in spreadsheet format. The existing tool has well‑recognised issues relating to accessibility, usability, and data integrity, which the Government's digitisation project will address. Contract C24064 is for Application Development Services and provides digital specialist support and programme delivery capability. The Discovery phase of the BNG metric digitisation project explored a wide range of user needs and potential options and does not represent a delivery commitment. Discovery reports are not routinely published but can be made available on request. Defra first became aware of written representations from private sector companies alleging procedural irregularities in the BNG metric digitisation procurement on 4 March 2026. Checks were undertaken to make sure the work is following due process. User research activities conducted during the Discovery phase were reviewed and found to be compliant with Government standards for research, and therefore further advice has not been sought. We are keen to work with private sector BNG technology providers to ensure digitisation of the BNG metric is a success.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 January 2026 to Question 105309 on Animal Welfare, when her Department plans to launch the consultation on licensing domestic rescue and rehoming organisations.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government has committed to launch a consultation on licensing domestic rescue and rehoming organisations, as set out in the Animal Welfare Strategy published on 22 December 2025. This will be delivered in due course and will seek views from all those with an interest.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Explanatory Memorandum for European Union legislation within the scope of the UK/EU Withdrawal Agreement and Windsor Framework, COM(2023)201, June 2023, whether (a) Great British and (b) Northern Irish producers will be required to rename domestically-produced (i) jam and (ii) marmalade for sale in (A) Great Britain and (B) Northern Ireland as a consequence of the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement; and whether other types of food will be affected by revised EU food labelling requirements.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

As part of the UK-EU SPS Agreement currently being negotiated, the Government is making a sovereign choice in the national interest to align in some areas where it makes sense to do so. Once in force, the SPS agreement will mean less red tape and fewer costs for agrifood businesses trading with the EU.

As set out in the Government’s recently published announcement on legislation in scope, this is expected to include among other rules on fruit jams, jellies & marmalades ((Directive 2001/113/EC). The full list remains subject to ongoing negotiations and may therefore change.

The EU recently updated its rules on jams, jellies and marmalade, which will entail some changes to labelling of marmalade – requiring producers to label as ‘citrus marmalade’ or specify the type of citrus fruits used, which most UK producers already do.

Jam producers will need to comply with EU rules on labelling of jams, extra jams and reduced sugar jams and ensure their labelling reflects compositional requirements, which will entail change for some producers.

Under Windsor Framework commitments, Northern Ireland has already laid amending rules to implement the recent EU changes. These were laid on 20 January 2026 and will come into operation on the 14 June 2026.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Animal welfare strategy for England, published on 22 December 2025, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of dolphin hunting in the Faroe Islands on marine mammals in UK waters.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We remain committed to meeting our international obligations and continue to have concerns about the welfare and sustainability of these hunts.

In December 2025 we published the UK Cetacean Conservation Strategy with devolved governments. This includes species hunted in the Faroe Islands and aims to improve the conservation status of cetaceans in UK waters.

UK ministers and officials consistently call for an end to cetacean hunts in the Faroe Islands. As Chair of the International Whaling Commission’s Conservation Committee and Intersessional Working Group on Welfare, the UK promotes stronger protection and improved welfare for small cetaceans.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Government's Animal Welfare Strategy's commitment to work with the veterinary profession to reduce tail docking will involve specific guidance for vets to ensure they are not authorising illegal mutilations.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Department has recently engaged with the Pig Veterinary Society and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons regarding reducing the incidence of pig tail docking, and we are now carefully considering the appropriate next steps, including the possibility of developing further guidance for veterinarians.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Animal Welfare Strategy published on 22 December 2025, if she will extend the strategy to include the welfare of marine mammals hunted in the Faroe Islands that also inhabit UK waters.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We remain committed to meeting our international obligations and continue to have concerns about the welfare and sustainability of these hunts.

In December 2025 we published the UK Cetacean Conservation Strategy with devolved governments. This includes species hunted in the Faroe Islands and aims to improve the conservation status of cetaceans in UK waters.

UK ministers and officials consistently call for an end to cetacean hunts in the Faroe Islands. As Chair of the International Whaling Commission’s Conservation Committee and Intersessional Working Group on Welfare, the UK promotes stronger protection and improved welfare for small cetaceans.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the implications of Faroese cetacean hunting for (a) international marine conservation and (b) biodiversity agreements.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We remain committed to meeting our international obligations and continue to have concerns about the welfare and sustainability of these hunts.

In December 2025 we published the UK Cetacean Conservation Strategy with devolved governments. This includes species hunted in the Faroe Islands and aims to improve the conservation status of cetaceans in UK waters.

UK ministers and officials consistently call for an end to cetacean hunts in the Faroe Islands. As Chair of the International Whaling Commission’s Conservation Committee and Intersessional Working Group on Welfare, the UK promotes stronger protection and improved welfare for small cetaceans.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the benefits of redesigning the Flood Re scheme to allow its application to properties and houses in London which are (1) divided into three or more flats, and (2) blocks of flats.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Flood Re scheme allows for insurers to offer discounted premiums to leasehold properties consisting of three or less units where the freeholder lives in one of the units. As larger blocks, of four or more units, are classified as a commercial business, the Flood Re scheme does not apply to buildings insurance, though tenants and leaseholders can access Flood Re supported contents insurance regardless of block size. There’s currently no evidence of a widespread systemic problem for residents in accessing insurance, where they are ineligible for Flood Re.

Defra regularly reviews scheme eligibility. Expanding Flood Re to businesses would introduce a new business levy, effectively forcing businesses nationwide and indirectly customers, to subsidise profit making firms in flood-areas. Any expansion to Flood Re’s scope would need careful consideration of impacts on scheme operation and costs.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what definition of endangered she proposes to use in legislation on banning imports of hunting trophies from endangered species.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is committed to delivering on its manifesto commitment to ban the import of hunting trophies from species of conservation concern. Defra is continuing to engage with relevant stakeholders to help determine the most appropriate scope for a ban. Species of conservation concern are listed primarily on Appendices I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) based on the level of threat that international trade poses to their conservation status.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will introduce secondary legislation mandating the reform of the waste carrier, broker and dealer system before the prorogation of this Parliament.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We are finalising the drafting of the necessary legislative amendments, and these will be progressed as soon as parliamentary time allows.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will introduce secondary legislation mandating digital waste tracking before the prorogation of this Parliament.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Subject to parliamentary time, we expect to introduce secondary legislation mandating digital waste tracking before the prorogation of this Parliament.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 17 March 2026 to question 119539, whether she plans to take action against a) Yorkshire Water for monitoring sewage overflow levels at Palterton Main Street Combined Sewage Overflow and b) Severn Trent Water for monitoring sewage overflow levels at South Normanton Sewage Treatment Works.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Environment Agency ensures that water companies are properly monitoring discharges to the environment. It analyses Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) data from all water companies to assess compliance and, where appropriate, take enforcement action. This approach applies to Yorkshire Water for Palterton Main Road Combined Sewer Overflow and to Severn Trent for South Normanton Sewage Treatment Works.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the MHCLG Chief Planner planning newsletter, of 5 March 2026, page 9-10, what steps are being taken to address the appeal delays for Forestry Commission appeals.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government inherited a backlog of appeals to restocking notices, some cases dating back to 2020. We are making progress to reduce the delays by a comprehensive action plan improving how appeals are progressed. This includes through enlarging the number of panel members who can hear appeals and increasing oversight including monthly ministerial meetings. We are also working to improve the awareness of the felling licence regime. This includes asking local authorities to work with developers to make it clear that unlawful tree felling can risk development being delayed.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which local stakeholders were involved or consulted in the development of Shoreline Management Plan 6, Policy Unit 6.14, including the Winterton‑on‑Sea to Scratby coastline, and what forms that engagement took.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Kelling Hard to Lowestoft Shoreline Management Plan (SMP6), covering Winterton-on-Sea to Scratby, was adopted by Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) in 2012. The plan was developed locally by the East Anglia Coastal Group; led by North Norfolk District Council, with GYBC, Waveney District Council (now East Suffolk), the Environment Agency and Natural England.

Local stakeholder engagement was undertaken through a formal public consultation, which invited local residents, businesses, parish councils, key organisations and other interested parties to comment on the long‑term shoreline management proposals. This was supported by public exhibitions, enabling direct discussion with local authority and Environment Agency officers, and by targeted presentations delivered to parish council representatives and local businesses.

Full details of the stakeholder engagement undertaken can be found in Appendix B of the published document. Ref: Kelling Hard to Lowestoft SMP6 | Shoreline Management Plans.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 30 March 2026 to Question 119646 on Air Pollution: Yeovil, what assessment she has made of whether updating health advice, in the absence of changes to the Daily Air Quality Index thresholds, is sufficient to ensure that air quality information accurately communicates risks to public health.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Air Quality Information System Review found that clearer, more targeted health and behavioural advice, particularly for people most at risk, could support actions to reduce exposure and manage health impacts. Alongside the updated health advice, the Government is progressing delivery of the Review’s wider recommendations, including work to improve digital communications and alert systems, and considering how the Daily Air Quality Index can be updated.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to address factors linked to public perception of safety such as a) litter and b) graffiti.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

To improve public perception of safety with regard to litter and graffiti, the Government has enabled and supported local action by providing a clear legal framework of statutory powers and responsibilities of local councils and setting national standards. Local councils have legal powers to take enforcement action against both littering and graffiti offenders. Anyone caught littering or graffitiing may be prosecuted in a magistrates’ court. Alternatively, councils may decide to issue a fixed penalty (on-the-spot fine) of up to £500. Councils also have powers to tackle any persistent or unreasonable behaviour that is having a negative effect on a community’s quality of life by issuing Community Protection Notices and Public Space Protection Orders.

To support local councils to make good use of their fixed penalty powers for littering and related offences like graffiti we have recently published new Statutory Guidance, Litter enforcement powers: when and how to use them, in Parliament. Local authorities will need to have regard to this guidance when using their powers, which is available at: Litter enforcement powers: when and how to use them - GOV.UK

We have also published the Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse statutory guidance which outlines the standards expected of local authorities and other duty bodies (e.g. National Highways) with regards to their duty to keep their land clear of litter and refuse. This guidance can be found on: Code of practice on litter and refuse - GOV.UK

Furthermore, there is advisory guidance on managing graffiti and flyposting for local councils and businesses, which is available here: 15681_GRAFFITI_AND_FLY_POSTING_MANAGEMENT_GUIDANCE.PDF.

The guidance outlines the options available to local councils and others for tackling these issues with examples of good practice.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what cost‑benefit analyses or appraisal work were undertaken in support of the policy approach for Policy Unit 6.14 under Shoreline Management Plan 6, and to what extent the views of local residents and businesses were considered and weighted within those assessments.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Kelling Hard to Lowestoft Shoreline Management Plan (SMP6), covering Winterton-on-Sea to Scratby, was adopted by Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) in 2012. The plan was developed locally by the East Anglia Coastal Group; led by North Norfolk District Council, with GYBC, Waveney District Council (now East Suffolk), the Environment Agency and Natural England, and included local consultation. High-level economic appraisal informed policy development and is published within the plan and Appendix H. Full details of the stakeholder engagement undertaken can be found in Appendix B of the published document. Ref: Kelling Hard to Lowestoft SMP6 | Shoreline Management Plans.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many prosecutions the Environment Agency has completed against Water and Sewerage Companies for offences that have taken place since 27 March 2020.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Since 27 March 2020, there have been 37 completed prosecutions against Water and Sewerage Companies. A water quality prosecution is any criminal proceedings relating to a failure to properly manage water or sewage treatment.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to provide financial compensation to the recreational charter boat sector following the implementation of the three-fish recreational pollack bag limit.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The latest scientific advice from ICES indicates pollack remains vulnerable and recreational fishing accounts for a significant share of total removals. It is therefore important, and fair, that all fishers play their part in transitioning towards a sustainable fishery. The three‑fish recreational bag limit supports the long‑term recovery of the stock while continuing to allow recreational fishers to target and retain pollack.

Defra continues to support the development of evidence. The recently re-launched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, funded from the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, can support partnership projects between fishers and scientists, which could include long-term data collection and research on pollack fisheries. Cefas is also working with the recreational sector to strengthen participation and governance of the Sea Angling Diaries to improve the evidence base.

Defra has no plans to provide financial compensation. Social and economic impacts are considered as part of the impact assessment process for the Statutory Instrument introducing the measure, including impacts across all affected parts of the sector.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to (a) continue and (b) expand data collection in the pollack fishery in the (i) commercial and (ii) recreational sectors.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The latest scientific advice from ICES indicates pollack remains vulnerable and recreational fishing accounts for a significant share of total removals. It is therefore important, and fair, that all fishers play their part in transitioning towards a sustainable fishery. The three‑fish recreational bag limit supports the long‑term recovery of the stock while continuing to allow recreational fishers to target and retain pollack.

Defra continues to support the development of evidence. The recently re-launched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, funded from the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, can support partnership projects between fishers and scientists, which could include long-term data collection and research on pollack fisheries. Cefas is also working with the recreational sector to strengthen participation and governance of the Sea Angling Diaries to improve the evidence base.

Defra has no plans to provide financial compensation. Social and economic impacts are considered as part of the impact assessment process for the Statutory Instrument introducing the measure, including impacts across all affected parts of the sector.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to promote awareness among farmers and food producers in Buckinghamshire of new export opportunities created by the mutual recognition of UK and Japanese organic livestock standards.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Japan is the second largest organic market in Asia, valued at an estimated £1.4 billion in 2023, and expanding rapidly, driven by Japanese government initiatives to promote organic consumption domestically. The UK-Japan agreement to formally recognise the equivalency of each other’s organic livestock standards will help British exporters to meet growing consumer demand for organic products in Japan.

Defra has a network of 16 agri-food and drink attaches who work to remove trade barriers and support UK agri-food businesses to export. This includes an attaché based in Japan. Last year the network removed over 50 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth £127million per annum.

Businesses in Buckinghamshire can access a range of tools and support available through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk to help businesses sell abroad and find the best country for their product. Additional support can be accessed through the UK Business Academy, which is a free training programme for UK businesses looking to grow their international sales.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the UK-Japan organic equivalency agreement on organic farmers and producers in Buckinghamshire.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Japan is the second largest organic market in Asia, valued at an estimated £1.4 billion in 2023, and expanding rapidly, driven by Japanese government initiatives to promote organic consumption domestically. The UK-Japan agreement to formally recognise the equivalency of each other’s organic livestock standards will help British exporters to meet growing consumer demand for organic products in Japan.

Defra has a network of 16 agri-food and drink attaches who work to remove trade barriers and support UK agri-food businesses to export. This includes an attaché based in Japan. Last year the network removed over 50 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth £127million per annum.

Businesses in Buckinghamshire can access a range of tools and support available through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk to help businesses sell abroad and find the best country for their product. Additional support can be accessed through the UK Business Academy, which is a free training programme for UK businesses looking to grow their international sales.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support organic food producers in Buckinghamshire to access export opportunities to Japan.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Japan is the second largest organic market in Asia, valued at an estimated £1.4 billion in 2023, and expanding rapidly, driven by Japanese government initiatives to promote organic consumption domestically. The UK-Japan agreement to formally recognise the equivalency of each other’s organic livestock standards will help British exporters to meet growing consumer demand for organic products in Japan.

Defra has a network of 16 agri-food and drink attaches who work to remove trade barriers and support UK agri-food businesses to export. This includes an attaché based in Japan. Last year the network removed over 50 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth £127million per annum.

Businesses in Buckinghamshire can access a range of tools and support available through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk to help businesses sell abroad and find the best country for their product. Additional support can be accessed through the UK Business Academy, which is a free training programme for UK businesses looking to grow their international sales.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she plans to answer Written Parliamentary Question UIN 123113.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Written Parliamentary Question UIN 123113 was answered on 16 April 2026.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the consultation on licensing domestic rescue and rehoming organisations will be launched; and what her planned timetable is for its conclusion and response.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Animal Welfare strategy sets out Government priorities until 2030. Policies will be delivered throughout this time. Next steps on the consultation will be announced in due course.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Powering the farms of the future with £50 million tech investment, published on 14 April 2026, what metrics her Department will use to measure the impact of the programme on farm productivity and sustainability.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Investor Partnerships initiative is part of the Farming Innovation Programme. An interim evaluation, published in 2025, shows that the programme is on the right track to deliver long term improvements to productivity and the environment, and Defra continues to monitor the effectiveness of the funding.

The Farming Innovation Programme aims to benefit English farmers and growers. Therefore, farmers based in Essex are in scope. Funding opportunities are promoted through multiple channels, including Press Notices, The Farming Innovation Programme website and Defra’s Farming Blog.

The Modern Industrial Strategy, published last year, committed to spend at least £200 million through the Farming Innovation Programme by 2030. As part of this, at the NFU conference in February the Government announced £70 million to support investment in agri-tech research and development from 2026, including £30 million for the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies fund.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Powering the farms of the future with £50 million tech investment, published on 14 April 2026, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that farmers in Essex are able to participate in the Farming Innovation Programme.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Investor Partnerships initiative is part of the Farming Innovation Programme. An interim evaluation, published in 2025, shows that the programme is on the right track to deliver long term improvements to productivity and the environment, and Defra continues to monitor the effectiveness of the funding.

The Farming Innovation Programme aims to benefit English farmers and growers. Therefore, farmers based in Essex are in scope. Funding opportunities are promoted through multiple channels, including Press Notices, The Farming Innovation Programme website and Defra’s Farming Blog.

The Modern Industrial Strategy, published last year, committed to spend at least £200 million through the Farming Innovation Programme by 2030. As part of this, at the NFU conference in February the Government announced £70 million to support investment in agri-tech research and development from 2026, including £30 million for the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies fund.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Powering the farms of the future with £50 million tech investment, published on 14 April 2026, what plans she has to continue or expand agri-tech investment beyond the current funding round.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Investor Partnerships initiative is part of the Farming Innovation Programme. An interim evaluation, published in 2025, shows that the programme is on the right track to deliver long term improvements to productivity and the environment, and Defra continues to monitor the effectiveness of the funding.

The Farming Innovation Programme aims to benefit English farmers and growers. Therefore, farmers based in Essex are in scope. Funding opportunities are promoted through multiple channels, including Press Notices, The Farming Innovation Programme website and Defra’s Farming Blog.

The Modern Industrial Strategy, published last year, committed to spend at least £200 million through the Farming Innovation Programme by 2030. As part of this, at the NFU conference in February the Government announced £70 million to support investment in agri-tech research and development from 2026, including £30 million for the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies fund.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to conduct a socio-economic impact assessment of the impact of the three-fish recreational pollack bag limit on the recreational charter boat sector.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The latest scientific advice from ICES indicates pollack remains vulnerable and recreational fishing accounts for a significant share of total removals. It is therefore important, and fair, that all fishers play their part in transitioning towards a sustainable fishery. The three‑fish recreational bag limit supports the long‑term recovery of the stock while continuing to allow recreational fishers to target and retain pollack.

Defra continues to support the development of evidence. The recently re-launched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, funded from the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, can support partnership projects between fishers and scientists, which could include long-term data collection and research on pollack fisheries. Cefas is also working with the recreational sector to strengthen participation and governance of the Sea Angling Diaries to improve the evidence base.

Defra has no plans to provide financial compensation. Social and economic impacts are considered as part of the impact assessment process for the Statutory Instrument introducing the measure, including impacts across all affected parts of the sector.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether there is sufficient oversight of biosecurity border controls; and whether they plan to provide any further resources to biosecurity border controls, following reports of attempts to smuggle large quantities of meat into the UK illegally.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Protecting UK biosecurity remains paramount, and the Government will do whatever it takes to protect farmers. Defra is continually improving its oversight of operations, and we are undertaking relevant analysis to support ongoing operational oversight and develop further strategic border oversight functions.

Border checks are one component of the border biosecurity system, providing robust assurance that the underlying system of biosecurity controls are working as intended. The system also includes risk assessments, import conditions and health certificates signed by vets in the exporting country. The border checks are important, but they are not the primary mechanism for managing biosecurity risks. Defra has also imposed additional restrictions on imports of animal products, including those for personal consumption, in direct response to animal disease outbreaks in countries we trade with.

Defra officials are working with Border Force and Dover Port Health Authority to assess where enhanced enforcement activity would have the greatest impact. Defra is also discussing additional funding with for Dover Port Health Authority to support operations at Dover, indeed Defra has already invested significantly in additional capacity and has provided over £14.4m since October 2022 for port health authority operations at the port of Dover.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with stakeholders, including the British Veterinary Association, the RSPCA, and pharmaceutical manufacturers, on proposed changes to the regulation of parasiticides.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) leads the cross‑government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE) Group and is engaging with stakeholders on the environmental risks of flea and tick treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid.

Engagement has included several meetings with individual organisations, including the British Veterinary Association, the RSPCA and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as a PiE stakeholder workshop in Summer 2025 involving veterinary professionals, charities, retailers, industry and academia.

The VMD has also launched an eight week Call for Evidence as part of its review of the distribution categories of veterinary medicines containing fipronil or imidacloprid. This open process invites evidence and views from all interested stakeholders to ensure that any future regulatory decisions are informed by robust evidence and consider impacts on animal health and welfare, the environment, pet owners and businesses.

No decisions have yet been taken on regulatory changes, and stakeholder engagement will continue as the evidence base is considered.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the spread or recession of common ragwort in the countryside, especially along road-side verges.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

An assessment of the spread or recession of common ragwort in the countryside has not been made, although the latest data from the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland indicate that it is still widespread. There is no general legal duty on Government to monitor levels of ragwort across the countryside.

Defra’s code of practice on how to prevent the spread of ragwort [see attached] states that humans may be at risk from ragwort poisoning through direct contact (e.g. hand pulling) however the Food and Environment Research Agency’s 2013 review of evidence concerning ragwort impacts, ecology and control options concluded that there is no evidence of human illness or fatalities resulting from ragwort. Links to further evidence can be found in this FOI release: Risk to humans from ragwort poisoning - GOV.UK [see attached].

Ragwort is classified as an Injurious Weed under the Weeds Act because it can be toxic to livestock when included in dry hay, or where livestock have nothing else to eat. Ragwort is a native plant that is valuable to a wide diversity of generalist pollinators, particularly in parched summer conditions when it can be the main nectar resource in a landscape.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the dangers of ingesting or handling common ragwort.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

An assessment of the spread or recession of common ragwort in the countryside has not been made, although the latest data from the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland indicate that it is still widespread. There is no general legal duty on Government to monitor levels of ragwort across the countryside.

Defra’s code of practice on how to prevent the spread of ragwort [see attached] states that humans may be at risk from ragwort poisoning through direct contact (e.g. hand pulling) however the Food and Environment Research Agency’s 2013 review of evidence concerning ragwort impacts, ecology and control options concluded that there is no evidence of human illness or fatalities resulting from ragwort. Links to further evidence can be found in this FOI release: Risk to humans from ragwort poisoning - GOV.UK [see attached].

Ragwort is classified as an Injurious Weed under the Weeds Act because it can be toxic to livestock when included in dry hay, or where livestock have nothing else to eat. Ragwort is a native plant that is valuable to a wide diversity of generalist pollinators, particularly in parched summer conditions when it can be the main nectar resource in a landscape.

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Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2026 to Question 122287 on Motor Vehicles: Hire Services, how many category M1 and N1 vehicles are exempt from the Government Fleet Commitment by default; and if she will provide a breakdown of that number by vehicle type.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Data for the Greening Government Commitments framework for 2021-25, including the Government Fleet Commitment (GFC), was collected by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and published on GOV.UK, available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/greening-government-commitments-april-2021-to-march-2024-report.

Reporting for the GFC was required for in-scope vehicles only. Neither DEFRA nor the Department for Transport holds further data on vehicles that are exempted by default across Government fleets.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to WPQ 110045 titled 'Nature Conservation: Crime,' answered on 10 February 2026, what recent conversations she has had with the National Wildlife Crime Unit about the effectiveness of their intelligence, analysis and investigative assistance to tackle wildlife crime in [a] England and [b] Leicestershire.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office worked in partnership with Defra to support the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) in delivering their Rural and Wildlife Crime strategy for 2025-28. The Strategy – which was published on 25 November -provides a framework through which policing, and its partners can work together to tackle the most prevalent threats and emerging issues including wildlife crime.

We also fund the National Wildlife Crime Unit who provide intelligence, analysis and investigative assistance to forces and other law enforcement agencies across the UK to support them in investigating wildlife crime. Throughout the grant agreement period, we hold regular official‑level meetings to discuss progress, engagement and delivery.

We are ensuring forces have the tools and resources they need to deal with rural crime including wildlife crime. We have hit our target of 3,000 more neighbourhood officers in March – and our target remains 13k by the end of the parliament

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of ensuring free school meals provide (a) sustainable, (b) nutritious and (c) locally sourced food.

Answered by Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

The action we are taking to extend free school meals to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit will ensure that over 500,000 additional children will receive a free and nutritious lunchtime meal, pulling 100,000 children out of poverty.

We are consulting on proposed updates to the School Food Standards in England to ensure that all food served at school, including at breakfast and lunch, better reflects current nutritional guidance and support children’s health, wellbeing and learning. Details of this consultation are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/school-food-standards-updating-the-legislative-framework We will consider guidance for the new standards in due course.

The government remains committed to our ambition that half of all food served in public settings is either locally sourced or certified to higher environmental standards and we are open to considering all lawful means of achieving this. We are working closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as they develop the Good Food Cycle vision.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure new school meals guidance encourages use of local suppliers.

Answered by Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

The government is committed to half of all food served in public settings being either locally sourced or certified to higher environmental standards.

The School Food Standards allow school chefs and cooks creative freedom to adapt to the preferences of the children at their school, source seasonal or local food, and take advantage of price fluctuations.

We are consulting on proposed changes to the School Food Standards in England until 12 June 2026. We will consider guidance for the new standards in due course. Presently, schools can voluntarily follow the Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering, which includes advice around sourcing their school food.

The department is working closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as they develop the Good Food Cycle vision.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of a national strategy to discourage littering, particularly on roads and pavements.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Overall policy responsibility for litter sits with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which has recently published an updated Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse. The Department for Transport supports local authorities and National Highways in tackling litter through a range of existing frameworks and initiatives, including activity focused on encouraging positive behaviour change and the effective use of enforcement powers.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the answer of 15 April 2026 to question 125651 on Animal Experiments, which Ministers sit on the Ministerial Board overseeing delivery of the Replacing Animals in Science Strategy.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Ministerial Board overseeing delivery of the Replacing Animals in Science Strategy is chaired by Lord Vallance. Its membership includes Baroness Hayman, Parliamentary Under‑Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Lord Hanson, Minister of State at the Home Office.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps the Government is taking to ensure coordination between the Groceries Code Adjudicator and the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator to provide a coherent regulatory framework for the food supply chain.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government's Statutory Review of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) 2022-2025 published on 14 April 2026. The Statutory Review invites the operationally independent GCA to consider recommendations about its existing confidentiality protections, transparency of enforcement activity and the potential publication of practical Code examples.

On 7 April 2026 the Government announced that responsibility for the GCA would move from the Department for Business and Trade to Defra to strengthen fairness across the UK's grocery supply chain, streamline oversight of the supply chain and to strengthen links to the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA).

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Groceries Code Adjudicator's existing confidentiality protections in encouraging smaller and harder-to-reach suppliers to report concerns about potential code breaches.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government's Statutory Review of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) 2022-2025 published on 14 April 2026. The Statutory Review invites the operationally independent GCA to consider recommendations about its existing confidentiality protections, transparency of enforcement activity and the potential publication of practical Code examples.

On 7 April 2026 the Government announced that responsibility for the GCA would move from the Department for Business and Trade to Defra to strengthen fairness across the UK's grocery supply chain, streamline oversight of the supply chain and to strengthen links to the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA).

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had discussions with the Groceries Code Adjudicator on (a) improving the transparency of its enforcement activity and (b) the potential merits of publishing practical examples of how the Code is applied.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government's Statutory Review of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) 2022-2025 published on 14 April 2026. The Statutory Review invites the operationally independent GCA to consider recommendations about its existing confidentiality protections, transparency of enforcement activity and the potential publication of practical Code examples.

On 7 April 2026 the Government announced that responsibility for the GCA would move from the Department for Business and Trade to Defra to strengthen fairness across the UK's grocery supply chain, streamline oversight of the supply chain and to strengthen links to the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA).

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the implementation of the Rural and Wildlife Crime strategy for 2025-28.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office works in partnership with DEFRA to improve the response to rural and wildlife crime. Together, we supported the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to deliver the Rural and Wildlife Crime strategy for 2025-28. The strategy sets out operational and organisational policing priorities in respect of tackling rural and wildlife crimes.

In 2025/26, the Home Office provided the first funding since 2023 to the National Rural Crime Unit as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit. This funding boost of over £800,000 will help these policing units provide specialist operational and investigative support to local forces and law enforcement agencies across the UK to tackle crimes that predominantly affect rural communities. We are continuing this funding through 2026/27.

The National Wildlife Crime Unit has overseen the police national response to wildlife crime, including hare coursing, which through Operation Galileo has resulted in a 40% reduction in offences.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the National Wildlife Crime Unit in (a) investigating and (b) supporting prosecutions in wildlife crime cases.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office works in partnership with DEFRA to improve the response to rural and wildlife crime. Together, we supported the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to deliver the Rural and Wildlife Crime strategy for 2025-28. The strategy sets out operational and organisational policing priorities in respect of tackling rural and wildlife crimes.

In 2025/26, the Home Office provided the first funding since 2023 to the National Rural Crime Unit as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit. This funding boost of over £800,000 will help these policing units provide specialist operational and investigative support to local forces and law enforcement agencies across the UK to tackle crimes that predominantly affect rural communities. We are continuing this funding through 2026/27.

The National Wildlife Crime Unit has overseen the police national response to wildlife crime, including hare coursing, which through Operation Galileo has resulted in a 40% reduction in offences.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the National Wildlife Crime Unit on the number of wildlife crime cases.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office works in partnership with DEFRA to improve the response to rural and wildlife crime. Together, we supported the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to deliver the Rural and Wildlife Crime strategy for 2025-28. The strategy sets out operational and organisational policing priorities in respect of tackling rural and wildlife crimes.

In 2025/26, the Home Office provided the first funding since 2023 to the National Rural Crime Unit as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit. This funding boost of over £800,000 will help these policing units provide specialist operational and investigative support to local forces and law enforcement agencies across the UK to tackle crimes that predominantly affect rural communities. We are continuing this funding through 2026/27.

The National Wildlife Crime Unit has overseen the police national response to wildlife crime, including hare coursing, which through Operation Galileo has resulted in a 40% reduction in offences.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to reduce the number of (a) reduce the vehicles that are blocking pavements and (b) unroadworthy vehicles parked for long periods of time in public areas.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Through measures in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill we will implement the necessary primary legislation to allow local transport authorities to prohibit pavement parking across their areas, putting power in the hands of local leaders. Even in locations where a pavement parking prohibition does not exist, virtually all local authorities (those with designated civil parking enforcement powers) will be granted the power to tackle the worst instances of pavement parking (unnecessary obstruction), through secondary legislation introduced later this year.

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 gives local authorities the power to remove certain abandoned vehicles without notice. The legislation on abandoned vehicles falls within the remit of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to improve the availability of domestic abuse services in semi-rural areas.

Answered by Jess Phillips - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Every victim of violence against women and girls (VAWG), whether in a city or a rural village, should be able to access the help they need. In the 'Freedom from Violence and Abuse’ Strategy, we committed to developing a new cross-government statement on the commissioning of VAWG services. This statement aims to strengthen the quality of commissioning from local commissioners, and it will support local areas to tailor their provision to their local communities, including rural victims.

Last year (2025/26), the Home Office invested over £6m into specialist helplines to support victims of VAWG and we are expanding our investment into the VAWG helplines this financial year. The helplines are accessible across England and Wales and provide advice and support to victims and assist in signposting and referrals to appropriate local services.

Last year, the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) commenced a call for evidence across a network of rural stakeholders to inform our understanding of the availability of support services and effective practice to provide support in rural areas. This research will help to confront the disparities in the provision and inform our future work to address the disparities of provision.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate his Department has made of the total (a) energy and (b) water demands of all proposed AI data centres.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department’s published Energy and Emissions Projections include growth in power demand from computing services like data centres. To ensure a comprehensive view, the methodology projects at a broader sector level, not disaggregating specific estimates for data centres.

Water use comes under the remit of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Its Water Delivery Taskforce is building an evidence base of data centre water use across England. The Government encourages data centre developers to consider use of non-potable water, embed water efficiency or reuse in design, and contact their proposed water and wastewater supplier early in the planning process.

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Found: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 1 Updated Outbreak Assessment #6 Peste

Found: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 1 Updated Outbreak Assessment #4 Peste

Found: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 1 Updated Outbreak Assessment #5 Peste

Found: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 1 Updated Outbreak Assessment #2 Peste

Found: Defra group Commercial, who provide a procurement service to Natural England as part of the Defra group

Found: (DEFRA).

Found: any other destination. 12) Disinfectants approved for use against poultry diseases are listed at: Defra-approved

Found: any other destination. 12) Disinfectants approved for use against poultry diseases are listed at: Defra-approved