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

To ask His Majesty's Government what meetings they have had with representatives of the Canal and River Trust since 4 July 2024.

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

Since 4 July 2024 there has been one formal grant review meeting between officials and Canal and River Trust senior management, which was part of the regular series of three such meetings per year. There are also ongoing working level meetings between the Trust and officials to support grant management.

The Canal and Rivers Trust is also a member of the Flood Resilience Taskforce.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have discussed the incidence of litter on urban towpaths with the Canal and River Trust since 4 July 2024.

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

We have discussed the general upkeep of towpath conditions with the Canal and River Trust, but have not specifically discussed the incidence of litter on urban towpaths since July 2024.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact that the US–UK Economic Prosperity Deal will have on the wheat prices achieved by farmers. [I]

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

On 8 May, the UK Government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. This delivers on the commitment by the Prime Minister and the President on 27 February to agree an economic deal in our respective national interests.

The deal protects jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors - sectors that employ over 320,000 people across the UK. For the first time ever, this deal will also open up exclusive access for UK beef farmers to the US market.

We have always been clear that this Government will protect British farmers, secure our food security and uphold our high food, animal welfare and environmental standards in trade deals. That is exactly what we have done and will continue to do. Any agricultural imports coming into the UK will have to meet our high sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.

Other than beef and ethanol, no access has been offered to US farmers into the UK market. We are working closely with the ethanol industry to find a way forward.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they made of the impact of the US–UK Economic Prosperity Deal on UK farmers before it was signed.

Answered by Baroness Gustafsson - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

On 8 May, we concluded a landmark economic deal with the US. For the first time ever, this deal will open up exclusive access for UK beef farmers to the US market. This is a major opportunity for British farmers to sell their high-quality British beef to a market of over 300 million people, helping farmers grow their business.

We are engaging extensively with the agricultural and food sectors and will always put the UK’s national interest first.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government on what date they informed bioethanol companies of the details of the preferential terms for US bioethanol to be sold into the UK market under the US–UK Economic Prosperity Deal. [I]

Answered by Baroness Gustafsson - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Representatives from the Department for Business and Trade have been engaging with bioethanol companies regularly, including on 8 May, when the US–UK Economic Prosperity Deal was signed. Both the Business Secretary and senior officials from the department have met members of the bioethanol sector to listen to their concerns, with further engagement to take place. We are committed to engaging with the sector during this critical period.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they consulted the bioethanol industry before the US–UK Economic Prosperity Deal was signed. [I]

Answered by Baroness Gustafsson - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Representatives from the Department for Business and Trade have been engaging with bioethanol companies regularly, including on 8 May, when the US–UK Economic Prosperity Deal was signed. Both the Business Secretary and senior officials from the department have met members of the bioethanol sector to listen to their concerns, with further engagement to take place. We are committed to engaging with the sector during this critical period.

Blockchain Technologies APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: ● Matt Vickers MP ● Lord Goddard of Stockport ● John Lamont MP ● Lord Wei of Shoreditch ● The Lord Roborough

Science and Technology in Agriculture APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Dewhirst MP Lord Taylor of Holbeach Lord Cameron of Dillington Baroness Batters Roz Savage MP Lord Roborough