We are the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
The UK Government has set numerous goals related to habitat restoration under the Environmental Improvement Plan, much of which of …
Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs
Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue
Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs does not have Bills currently before Parliament
A Bill to make provision about the regulation, governance and special administration of water companies.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 24th February 2025 and was enacted into law.
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
Make a public animal abuser register & automatically ban ownership
Gov Responded - 19 May 2026 Debated on - 29 Jun 2026Create a public register of all offenders convicted of animal abuse and introduce an automatic, lifetime ban on animal ownership for anyone convicted of animal neglect or abuse. This register should be searchable by vets, breeders, charities and the public to prevent repeat offending.
Hold a referendum to bring the water industry into public ownership
Gov Responded - 23 Apr 2026 Debated on - 14 Sep 2026Hold a binding national referendum on whether the water industry should be returned to public ownership. Water is a basic human necessity; we believe our privatised system has failed, so the public should decide who owns and controls it.
Reduce the maximum noise level for consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels
Gov Responded - 7 Nov 2025 Debated on - 19 Jan 2026We think each year, individuals suffer because of loud fireworks. We believe horses, dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife can be terrified by noisy fireworks and many people find them intolerable.
Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.
At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.
Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.
The information on trade union facility time for 2023/24 and 2024/25 is publicly available through the Defra Annual Report and Accounts, on GOV.UK.
For the Defra bargaining unit in 2025/26, the total cost of trade union facility time was £119,469 and the headcount of staff claiming facility time was 23 people. Nobody was allocated 100% trade union facility time and no funding was provided for trade union activities.
As of December 2025, there were 814 civil servants on home working contracts, equating to 13% of the total number of civil servants in Defra.
The department does not hold information relating to gamebird hunting bags.
The department does not hold information relating to gamebird hunting bags.
Defra is engaging with the Government Property Agency (GPA) through its Net Zero Programme to track progress in this area and understands GPA intends to undertake feasibility studies and energy audits at a number of sites during this financial year to assess opportunities for rooftop solar panel installation.
Funding support for public bodies to install solar panels has been available through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme with a total of over £3 billion made available up 2028. Great British Energy (GBE) also supports public sector decarbonisation and the GBE Solar programme is investing £255 million to fund around 250 schools, around 260 NHS sites, and around 15 military sites to install solar panels across the country.
Breakdown of the £50.2 million spent by the Environment Agency in Hired and Contracted Services in 2015/6:
Category | Amount (£m) |
Contracted services (including flood maintenance activities and maintenance of Flood, Hydrometry & Telemetry, and Waterways assets) | 30.8 |
Information Communications Technology (ICT) Contracted services (i.e. building, servicing and maintaining digital and communication technology systems and data) | 19.4 |
Total | 50.2 |
Our response to PQ 14616 contained an error. The numbers were transposed. The correct position is: “Since July 2024 a total of 22 organisations had Civil Servants seconded to them from Defra whilst in the same period, Defra received secondees from a total of 45 organisations.”
The list below shows the a) 22 organisations that had Civil Servants seconded to them from Defra and b) 45 organisations Defra received secondees from.
a) Outward Secondments from Defra to: |
Climate Change Committee |
Commonwealth Secretariat |
Environment Agency |
Future Homes Hub |
Global Fishing Watch |
Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich islands |
Historic England |
Independent Office for Police Conduct |
Institute for Government |
International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits Limited |
Joint Nature Conservation Committee |
Livestock Information Ltd |
Metropolitan Police Service |
Mole Valley District Council |
Natural England |
NEG |
Office for Environmental Protection |
Office for Students |
Oxford University |
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) |
Wigan Council |
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) |
b) Inward Secondments to Defra from: |
ALUPRO |
Cambridge University |
City St Georges |
Climate Sense |
Cranfield Environment Centre |
Cumbria County Council |
DAERA |
Drinking Water Inspectorate |
Environment Agency |
Eunomia Research & Consulting |
Forest Research |
Imperial College London |
Joint Nature Conservation Committee |
Kent Wildlife Trust |
Lancaster University |
Loughborough University |
Natural England |
OPRL Ltd |
Oxford University |
Plymouth Marine Laboratory |
Re London |
Ricardo Energy and Environment |
School of Civil Engineering |
School of Earth and Environment |
School of Geography and the Environment |
Scottish Government |
SeaFish |
SOAS University London |
Surrey County Council |
UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology |
UK National Nuclear Laboratory |
Ulster University |
University College London |
University of Exeter |
University of Lancaster |
University of Leeds |
University of London |
University of Oxford |
University of Southampton |
University of Stirling |
University of Wolverhampton |
University of York |
Veolia |
Waste and Resources Action Programme |
Welsh Water |
The investigation has been completed and the final report will be submitted to Defra shortly to consider the findings.
Defra is working with manufacturers, compliance schemes and local authorities to monitor and manage reduced fridge recycling capacity. The department is clear that producers, via their compliance schemes, remain responsible for clearing local authority sites.
Additional recycling capacity is expected in 2027. In the meantime, temporary storage is permitted under an Environment Agency Regulatory Position Statement.
This Government is also exploring opportunities to increase electrical product lifespan, including the benefits of increased reuse and repair.
Information on fires caused by barbecues is published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (table FIRE0602) and can be filtered by Fire and Rescue Authority area, including Dorset. Data on fires specifically caused by disposable barbecues is not included, but data collection is being improved through the Fire and Rescue Data Platform.
The UK has a resilient food supply chain built on strong domestic production and imports through stable trade routes. Defra continuously monitors and prepares for emerging risks, working with the Cabinet Office and other Government departments to ensure food supply is fully incorporated into emergency preparedness.
It has been the practice of successive governments not to comment, on grounds of both national security and staff safety, on the physical capacity or staffing numbers for individual buildings of the government estate.
It is not routine to disclose correspondence between Ministers or Permanent Secretaries and any individual or organisation.
It is not routine to disclose correspondence between Ministers or Permanent Secretaries and any individual or organisation.
Defra and its arm's-length bodies mark a range of external awareness days, weeks and months throughout the year. This provides the opportunity to raise awareness of different aspects of diversity and inclusion, and to support staff networks and wider engagement on these issues with our people.
In Defra there was no expenditure relating to Pride Month in 2026.
The Department of Health and Social Care is the sponsoring department of the Food Standards Agency.
Based on the information currently available to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Trametes versicolor and Cordyceps militaris have not been consumed to a significant degree as food in the UK or EU before 15 May 1997. They are therefore likely to be considered novel foods, which must be authorised before they are placed on the market in Great Britain.
If any Food Business Operator (FBO) would like the FSA to make formal determinations on the novel food status of these two mushroom species, they can submit consultation requests (under Article 4 of assimilated Regulation 2015/2283), including the evidence required on history of consumption.
When an FBO submits an application for the authorisation of a novel food, the safety of the food is considered as part of the risk assessment stage of the process.
Defra is working as quickly as possible to assess Brazilian production systems to ensure that beef and chicken from animals treated with certain antimicrobial products are not exported to Great Britain and is keeping trade restrictions under review. The assessment will include an urgent in-country audit. Sanitary and phytosanitary trade measures must be evidence-based and proportionate in line with World Trade Organization rules.
I refer the Hon Member to the response given by the Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services on 9 June 2026 to Connor Naismith MP under PQ 5710.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency does not routinely hold records of non-compliance with bird registration requirements or any subsequent enforcement activity. These records are held by the relevant local authority because they are responsible for the enforcement of bird registration requirements under the Animal Health Act.
This Government has not received reports of any issues with the supply of diagnostic equipment or replacement components to veterinary practices in Northern Ireland.
Caffeine was assessed in Tranche 2 of the Environment Agency's Prioritisation and Early Warning System for chemicals. It remains in the Environment Agency's surface water monitoring programmes to assess whether exposure levels and subsequent risk changes.
It is crucial that we learn lessons from the 2026 wildfires and we are taking a number of steps to prepare for future wildfire seasons by strengthening coordination across Government, working closely with fire and rescue services, land managers and local authorities, and improving our understanding of wildfire risk. Our focus is on building resilience, through better prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. We recognise that rangers play an important role in managing wildfire risk, working closely with Fire and Rescue Services where needed, and ensuring staff are appropriately trained to support safe and appropriate action.
Water companies use established practises and methodologies to monitor water and wastewater use by their customers. This alongside various factors, such as local authority planning, helps inform the water companies’ long-term plans to secure water and wastewater services.
Local authorities are primarily responsible for regulating contaminated land in England, while the Environment Agency (EA) regulates designated special sites. The EA has provided technical support for past and current local authority investigations into alleged Monsanto dumping sites, but none have been designated as special sites to date.
Defra supports the reintroduction of keystone species where benefits to the environment, people and the economy are clear. Three licensed beaver wild release projects have been approved in England, with two further applications underway. Defra has approved £1m of funding for golden eagle reintroduction work and supported white-tailed eagle releases.
This Government is investing over £1 billion in tree planting and support to the forestry sector over this parliament, as well as £85 million between 2026 and 2030 to improve and restore our peatlands, including extending the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme until March 2027.
The Environment Agency's Restoring Meadow, Marsh and Reef (ReMeMaRe) initiative is working to restore at least 15% of saltmarsh, seagrass and native oyster reef habitats along the English coast by 2043.
The Government has committed creating a powerful new regulator.
Defra will work closely with the current regulators to ensure a smooth transition; detailed organisational structure and design of the new regulator is still under development.
The Government has committed creating a powerful new regulator.
Defra will work closely with the current regulators to ensure a smooth transition; detailed organisational structure and design of the new regulator is still under development.
An initial scoping review will be reported on in the Environmental Improvement Plan’s annual progress report (APR) in 2027.
Current evidence supports the approach that peatland restoration, including rewetting and the restoration of hydrological function, can strengthen wildfire resilience by increasing moisture levels, reducing fuel loads and supporting the recovery of peat-forming vegetation such as Sphagnum mosses.
The Government published an updated assessment in October 2024 of the impact of introducing Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) on packaging producers as a whole. The assessment did not provide separate estimates for breweries, pubs or hospitality businesses, or disaggregate impacts at a local level.
The Government is aware of concerns about the classification of packaging that is disposed of through commercial waste streams, including in hospitality settings. Defra continues to work on this issue and that includes working closely with the brewing, hospitality and wider packaging sectors.
Defra has recently announced that we are reopening the Water Management Grant, with up to £15m available to help farmers build on-farm reservoirs so they can store more water to irrigate crops and be better protected against dry conditions in future. Defra plans to open the grant later this autumn and will provide more details on the application process closer to the launch.
Land managers have an important role in assessing and managing wildfire risk. Defra is supporting land managers to manage risk and put in place proportionate wildfire management plans, reflecting local risks and circumstances. These plans may include considerations of risk, control measures and monitoring mechanisms.
Defra officials are working with ALBs to ensure an aligned and coherent approach to wildfire policy. Defra’s agencies have a central role in resilience and preparedness, and officials in Defra’s agencies are working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Defra to ensure an aligned and coherent approach to wildfire policy. The Forestry Commission supports wildfire resilience through forest and land management, risk assessment and operational preparedness, and Natural England provides evidence-based advice on environmental impacts, habitat management and nature recovery, including burning licence applications.
It is illegal to export livestock or horses for slaughter or fattening under the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024. This Government understands the strong sentiment that led to legislation to ban live exports for slaughter and fattening.
This Government has agreed with the EU to establish a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) area, by way of an SPS Agreement. Negotiations with the EU are ongoing so it would not be appropriate to comment on the detailed content at this stage. Throughout discussions, this Government has been clear about the importance of being able to set high animal welfare standards.
We are in the process of completing the assessment of compliance under the Air Quality Standards Regulations (2010) and we will publish the full results in due course in line with our reporting commitments. These Results will include details of the status of air quality across all UK zones for key pollutants.
From 1 August 2026 to midday on 8 September 2026, there have been 2652 unique sign-ups to the new air quality alert service.
The additional local monitoring data referred to in the Answer of 7 September 2026 may include monitoring data collected by local authorities in fulfilment of their local air quality duties, including data reported through Annual Status Reports. The precise scope of local authority monitoring data to be incorporated is still being finalised as the new projections are developed and will depend on data availability and modelling requirements.
This Government is taking steps to support rainwater harvesting and recycling in homes. We have committed to reforming how rainwater is used in homes through the Clean Water Bill. This sits alongside our review of the water efficiency and drainage standards in Building Regulations (2010).
This Government is taking steps to support rainwater harvesting and recycling in homes. We have committed to reforming how rainwater is used in homes through the Clean Water Bill. This sits alongside our review of the water efficiency and drainage standards in Building Regulations (2010).
The Government recognises that exporters have faced additional administrative requirements since January 2021. The research project Quantifying Non-Tariff Measure on GB to EU Agri-food gathered extensive information on the costs of administrative requirements for exporters can be found here. However, it is important to stress that the costs vary substantially by business, market, consignment type, and supply chain arrangements.
In May 2025, the Government and the European Commission agreed to pursue a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement that will significantly reduce these costs and make it easier, cheaper and quicker to move food, plants, animals, and related goods across our borders.
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.
Defra works across Government including the Cabinet Office, other Government Departments and Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) to ensure food supply is fully incorporated as part of emergency preparedness.
LRFs play a vital role in preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies, including incidents that may affect food supply chains. The Government supports LRF capability through national guidance, exercising, assurance and preparedness programmes, including the Local Capabilities Assessment process, which helps identify strengths and areas for improvement across England.
The Farm Tenancy Forum most recently met on 18 June 2026 as part of its regular quarterly meeting schedule.
No assessment has been made of levels of public awareness of the risk of wildfires posed by litter, including discarded glass bottles. Government departments and agencies are working together on communications to raise public awareness of the fire risks associated with discarded glass bottles and disposable barbecues. This includes social media content, using influencer networks to extend online reach, and securing broadcast interviews for Government spokespeople to explain wildfire risks and what the public can do.
I refer the hon. Member to the information available on GOV.UK which outlines grant funding for peatland restoration and management (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-funding-boost-to-protect-englands-iconic-peatlands) and trees and woodland grants (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/where-to-find-grants-for-trees-and-woodland). Additionally, Environmental Land Management schemes include actions that support peatland, permanent grassland, hedgerows, woodland and mature trees.
While the Government has not undertaken a specific assessment of how the costs of dairy supply chain emissions reductions are distributed, we are committed to working with the whole food supply chain to reduce agricultural emissions to strengthen food security whilst supporting farm profitability. As part of this, we are supporting businesses to invest in their supply chains to improve resilience and sustainability, with financial benefits flowing to farmers.
While the framework for business climate reporting is a policy matter for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, Defra is working with industry to support a consistent and robust approach to climate reporting for the food and drink sector. Our Food Data Transparency Partnership is improving comparable emissions data across the supply chain, from farms to retailers, including around Scope 3 emissions accounting.
As set out in the UK Government Resilience Action Plan, the Cabinet Office provides scrutiny of response capabilities across the UK Government through National Capabilities Assessments which take place every two to three years. Defra considers these assessments and works work the Cabinet Office, other Government departments and industry to ensure the food supply chain is fully incorporated in emergency preparedness planning.
Defra engages with Local Resilience Forums across England, including those in the South West, through established resilience and planning arrangements. This engagement supports information sharing, preparedness and response planning for a range of risks that could affect food supply and access.
This Government continues to work with resilience partners at national and local level to maintain the UK’s food resilience.