Oral Answers to Questions

Alistair Carmichael Excerpts
Thursday 22nd October 2026

(1 day, 18 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
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I call the Chair of the Select Committee.

Alistair Carmichael Portrait Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD)
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As the Government start redesigning the sustainable farming incentive, can I draw their attention to an initiative launched today by Aldi and ABP, “Grounded in Goodness”, which is paying a premium to their beef producers? It is only £4.5 million and one supermarket, so it is not a panacea, but it is a good start, rooted in the principles of simplicity, accessibility and food production. As the Secretary of State redesigns the SFI, would that not be a good model to follow?

Angela Eagle Portrait Dame Angela Eagle
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We did simplify the SFI this year, having inherited a scheme that had not only no budget control, but over 140 different actions. I am looking at this issue, and am more than happy to talk to the right hon. Gentleman about the principles he has outlined as we work to introduce a simpler, easier to use scheme in 2027.