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

To ask His Majesty's Government, in the light of the Agriculture and the water environment: 2026 report, published by the Environment Agency on 30 June, which identified antimicrobial resistance in materials spread on agricultural land, what plans they have to monitor antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and genes in the agricultural water environment; and whether antimicrobial resistance will be considered in the development of new national standards for agricultural water pollution.

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

This Government takes agricultural water pollution seriously. The department are bringing agricultural regulations together into a single, clear and robust set of requirements to help reduce water pollution. The detail of these reforms is still being developed.

Defra recently consulted on the best way to regulate the use of sewage sludge on farms. The consultation sought views on options to make the regulatory framework more agile as new evidence emerges about contaminant risks.

The department continue to develop the evidence base on contaminants in sludge by bringing stakeholders together to identify evidence gaps and shape future research priorities. Defra also are supporting the work of the water industry-funded Chemicals Investigation Programme to explore new treatment technologies to remove contaminants from sludge.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the practicality, benefits and risks of reintroducing the Dalmatian pelican to the UK; and what steps they are taking to support further investigations of this matter.

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

Natural England is aware there is interest from certain landowners and stakeholders to release Dalmatian pelican in the UK. Natural England attended a study tour of potential areas in autumn 2025 and has advised that more ecological and social science evidence is needed before full feasibility can be established. To support best practice, Defra has published the Code for Reintroductions and other Conservation Translocations in England (see attached). The Code sets clear expectations for projects, including demonstrating a conservation need, assessing feasibility and risks, securing permissions and meeting legal requirements, and ensuring appropriate release, monitoring and advice from Natural England where needed.