Harriet Cross
Conservative - Gordon and Buchan
878 (2.0%) majority - 2024 General ElectionFirst elected: 4th July 2024
Opposition Assistant Whip (Commons)
(since November 2024)Division Voting information
Harriet Cross voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 15 Conservative Aye votes vs 18 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 41 Noes - 378
Debates during the 2024 Parliament
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
Sparring Partners
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
(19 debate interactions)
Department Debates
(51 debate contributions)
(47 debate contributions)
(34 debate contributions)
(15 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(13,070 words contributed)
(6,069 words contributed)
(2,558 words contributed)
(2,207 words contributed)
Gordon and Buchan Petitions
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).
of 46,761 signatures (2.79%)
of 13,869 signatures (0.74%)
of 161,720 signatures (0.16%)
of 46,761 signatures (2.79%)
of 239,588 signatures (0.13%)
of 253,925 signatures (0.12%)
Petition Closed
Don't change inheritance tax relief for working farms
Gov Responded - 5 Dec 2024 Debated on - 10 Feb 2025 View Harriet Cross's petition debate contributionsclosed 4 days, 6 hours ago
We think that changing inheritance tax relief for agricultural land will devastate farms nationwide, forcing families to sell land and assets just to stay on their property. We urge the government to keep the current exemptions for working farms.
Latest EDMs signed by Harriet Cross
Housing
Tabled by: Kemi Badenoch (Conservative - North West Essex)That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Housing (Right to Buy) (Limits on Discount) (England) Order 2024 (SI, 2024, No. 1073), dated 28 October 2024, a copy of which was laid before this House on 30 October, be annulled.
(Most recent: 16 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 31
Independent: 1
Social Security
Tabled by: Rishi Sunak (Conservative - Richmond and Northallerton)That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 (S.I., 2024, No. 869), dated 22 August 2024, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22 August 2024, be annulled.
(Most recent: 10 Sep 2024)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 74
Independent: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Scottish National Party: 1
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Harriet Cross, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
Harriet Cross has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Harriet Cross has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
Harriet Cross has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
Harriet Cross has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting
Latest 50 Written Questions
(View all written questions)The Government is committed to CCUS, which will decarbonise power and industry in a way that drives growth, supports thousands of jobs, and could add £5 billion of value annually by 2050. Decisions over the continued deployment of CCUS, building on the HyNet and East Coast Cluster, will be taken as part of the Spending Review, including the potential for deployment in Scotland through the Acorn cluster.
We have also established the National Wealth Fund, part of which will focus on key energy sectors, including CCUS, addressing barriers to investment and strengthening the entire value chain.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Neither the Secretary of State nor I will be commenting on the specifics of individual projects to avoid potentially prejudicing any future regulatory decisions the Secretary of State is required to make in relation to these projects. We remain committed to having the supplementary Environmental Impact Assessment guidance in place as soon as possible. Once it is published, assessments of environmental statements can resume.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Neither the Secretary of State nor I will be commenting on the specifics of individual projects to avoid potentially prejudicing any future regulatory decisions the Secretary of State is required to make in relation to these projects. We remain committed to having the supplementary Environmental Impact Assessment guidance in place as soon as possible. Once it is published, assessments of environmental statements can resume.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
To ensure Great British Energy can begin delivering quickly once the Parliamentary process has been completed, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has taken steps to assign resource including the appointment of Juergen Maier to the role of start-up chair for Great British Energy, Dan McGrail as interim CEO, and five start-up non-executive directors. Additional DESNZ resource has been assigned to Great British Energy, focusing on a small number of essential roles.
Once Great British Energy is formally established by the Bill, work will begin to fully resource Great British Energy.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
CCUS requires significant resources, and it is right that it is considered within the Spending Review. We continue to engage at both working and ministerial level with all future projects, including Track-2, and further decisions for future CCUS deployment will be taken in due course.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Energy Skills Passport, launched in January, is designed to help oil and gas workers transition into clean energy sectors like offshore wind. In phase two, we are exploring opportunities to expand it into other clean energy sectors such as CCUS and Hydrogen. The RGU estimates the offshore renewables workforce, which includes offshore wind, CCS, and hydrogen, could increase to between 70,000 and 138,000 in 2030 creating opportunities for skilled workers as the sector matures. Further decisions for future CCUS deployment, including in the Scottish Cluster, will be taken in due course. As the Energy Skills Passport develops, we will continue working with industry to expand its scope, ensuring it effectively supports workers moving into emerging clean energy sectors.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Office for Clean Energy Jobs is engaging widely with industry experts, and trade unions for a clear assessment of the skills opportunities and challenges. It is working closely with Skills England to ensure that skills systems reforms support the clean energy transition. It has recently launched the initial version of the Energy Skills Passport to support oil and gas workers into new roles in the clean energy sector.
In phase two, we are exploring opportunities to expand it into other clean energy sectors such as CCUS. CCUS could support up to 50,000 jobs as the sector matures into the 2030s.
The government is also transforming the existing Apprenticeship Levy into a growth and skills offer which will allow employers to invest in a wider range of training.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department attends the Industry Taskforce on the Radio Teleswitch Service, which was convened by Ofgem last year and is led by Energy UK.
The Taskforce involves all major energy suppliers and is working with consumer groups, local authorities, housing associations and other key stakeholders to urgently ramp up efforts to replace the remaining RTS meters in Great Britain before the service ends.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Ofgem is responsible for regulating energy suppliers against their licence obligations. Ofgem have been clear that they expect energy suppliers to arrange a suitable replacement metering solution for their customers with RTS meters in a timely manner ahead of the switch off to avoid a disruption to their service.
Ofgem is consulting on new licence conditions which will seek to ensure consumers are treated fairly and have access to an alternative metering arrangement following the cessation of RTS. The consultation ends on 11 March and is available here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consultation/radio-teleswitch-service-rts-electricity-supply-licence-changes
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
In the few circumstances where a supplier may not currently be able to install a smart meter, Ofgem has been clear that the supplier is obligated under their licence conditions to ensure that a suitable metering system is offered and that the customer's heating and hot water service is not disrupted.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Industry-led Radio Teleswitch Service Taskforce is investigating with energy suppliers the volume and costs of any additional works that may be required for Total Heating Total Control systems. Energy suppliers are best placed, and responsible for, advising their customers.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Ofgem has been clear that suppliers must take all reasonable steps to ensure former RTS consumers stay on a closely equivalent tariff.
Ofgem is also consulting on plans to introduce new RTS specific licence conditions for energy suppliers, which include a proposal that would require energy suppliers to take all reasonable steps to provide a tariff that leaves their customers ‘no worse off’ than previously once their RTS meter is replaced. The consultation closes on 11 March and is available here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consultation/radio-teleswitch-service-rts-electricity-supply-licence-changes
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department does not hold the data requested, but when each individual planning decision is made, the information about the extent and grade of any agricultural land being utilised is set out in as part of the published decision.
The revised National Planning Policy Framework, which was published on 12 December 2024, is clear that where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality. This will, where relevant, be a material consideration in planning decisions, including those made by the Secretary of State.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
ECO4 funding is not released through a tranche system. The scheme sets a legal obligation on energy suppliers, and this is divided between energy suppliers based on their respective shares of the domestic gas and electricity market. Energy suppliers are permitted to deliver their obligation at their preferred pace over the life cycle of the scheme, between April 2022 and March 2026. The total value of ECO4 is £4 billion. This breaks down to £1bn a year for the four years of the scheme.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Households with existing underfloor foam insulation may be eligible for Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) scheme support if they meet scheme eligibility criteria. Homes equivalent to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) bands D-G, for owner occupied households, and bands E-G for privately rented homes and social housing, where occupants are in receipt of means-tested benefits, are eligible for the scheme, as well as those referred by their local authority under ECO Flex. However, meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee assistance. This is determined by obligated suppliers and the installers to whom they sub-contract.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
ECO4 is not a Government funded scheme, but a legal obligation placed on energy suppliers to delivery energy efficiency support to eligible households. The obligated suppliers fund the upfront costs of those installations and recoup the funds through their domestic consumers’ energy bills under the energy price cap.
The legal obligation is divided across energy suppliers and based on their respective shares of the domestic gas and electricity market. Energy suppliers are permitted to deliver their obligation at their preferred pace throughout the scheme. The total value of ECO4 is £4 billion across the four years of the scheme.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Office for Clean Energy Jobs (OCEJ) has been created to ensure that clean energy jobs are abundant, high quality, paid fairly, and have favourable terms and good working conditions. The OCEJ is engaging widely with industry, experts, and trade unions for a clear assessment of the skills opportunities and challenges.
The Office has worked with industry and Scottish government to launch a ‘skills passport’ in January, to help oil and gas workers access opportunities in clean energy jobs – initially helping to identify routes into several roles in offshore wind. CCUS could support up to 50,000 jobs as the sector matures into the 2030s, creating opportunities for skilled workers. Further decisions for future CCUS deployment, including in the Scottish Cluster, will be taken in due course.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Where a household is one of the 0.7% of premises in Great Britain without Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage, energy suppliers can provide pre-configured smart meters, which operate like analogue meters, until a WAN connection can be established.
The Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) has been clear that energy suppliers are obligated under their licence conditions to ensure that a suitable metering system is installed, and that the customer's heating and hot water is not disrupted.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is an industry-led initiative, with the switch-off being overseen by the energy industry, Energy UK and Ofgem. I recently met with Ofgem and Energy UK to discuss plans for the switch-off. I will continue to meet them regularly to track progress.
Ofgem and Industry have convened a Taskforce involving energy suppliers, network operators, consumers groups and the Government, to coordinate activities to rapidly increase the pace of RTS replacements. A new campaign has launched highlighting the need for RTS customers to book a meter replacement as soon as their energy supplier contacts them.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department is aware of the complexity of a Total Heating Total Control (THTC) metering system and the tariff requirements of customers with such a system installed. Energy suppliers are best placed to advise on suitable replacement systems and tariffs for their customers, and Ofgem has been clear that suppliers must take all reasonable steps to ensure former RTS consumers stay on a closely equivalent tariff.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government has made a number of spending commitments since July to deliver the UK’s pledge, announced in 2019, to spend £11.6 billion in International Climate Finance (ICF) between April 2021 and March 2026. The £11.6 billion commitment is from the UK’s Official Development Assistance budget, currently set on a temporary basis at 0.5% per cent of Gross National Income.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government recognises that too many households across GB are currently unable to send automatic readings to their energy suppliers, including meters without access to WAN coverage. We will set out new plans to improve the rollout and the consumer experience, alongside Ofgem, in due course.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4 Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Questions
(View all Harriet Cross's DSIT questions)Space is a strategic priority for this government and is essential to achieving our mission to deliver growth as a priority. The National Space Strategy and our identified priority capability goals continue to drive government policy.
We will publish an ambitious programme for space when the Spending Review has completed.
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The broadcasting sector plays an important role in enhancing telecoms resilience by providing robust infrastructure and rapidly circulating news and information to the public during emergencies. DSIT collaborates with TV and radio broadcast and telecom operators through the Electronic Resilience & Response Group (EC-RRG) industry forum, sharing best practices and strengthening the networks to ensure the continuity of communication services and public safety during crises. Both DSIT and DCMS (who have responsibility for the broadcast sector) recognise the importance of ongoing collaboration to maintain and enhance telecoms resilience.
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The government is committed to delivering 2030 nationwide gigabit connectivity coverage, with 86% of premises now able to access a gigabit-capable connection thanks to a pro-competition regulatory environment.
Take-up is just as important as roll-out. This is primarily the responsibility of industry, but the government is encouraged to see increasing levels of gigabit take-up, and in particular the positive effects of the industry launch of the One Touch Switch (OTS) and terminology changes from Ofcom last year. We continue to work with industry towards greater roll-out and take-up.
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Shared Rural Network is designed to improve connectivity where people live, work, travel and visit. In very rural parts of Scotland, digital connectivity is vital for visitors, emergency services, lone workers and businesses utilising new technology.
To minimise environmental impact, publicly funded masts will be shared by all four mobile network operators and existing infrastructure utilised wherever possible. At each potential location, an individual assessment will consider a range of factors to strike a balance between improving connectivity and minimising impact on the surrounding landscape. All masts will comply with planning rules for these areas and go through the proper planning process, with local planning authorities responsible for reviewing applications. Achieving a perfect balance between enhanced connectivity and environmental protection will not be easy, but I am keen to see a more sympathetic approach that focuses most on where people really need a secure connection.
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
6 Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Questions
(View all Harriet Cross's DCMS questions)The Government understands how important it is that everyone can access information in times of national emergency and that television has a role to play in providing such access. The Government’s project looking into the future of TV distribution is considering a range of relevant factors, including resilience. It is important that audiences continue to receive consistent levels of service regardless of how they receive their television, and ensuring that this can happen will be a priority for the project.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government’s project on the future of TV distribution is seeking to understand how people receive their television now and in the next decade. This will inform any decision concerning the future of digital terrestrial television services after 2034.
As part of this process, a wide range of views are being sought from across the TV sector, audience groups and infrastructure, including through a stakeholder forum that I chair. Membership of the Stakeholder Forum includes a number of groups representing rural, older and lower income audiences, including the Rural Services Network, Silver Voices and Digital Poverty Alliance.
In addition to independent research led by Exeter University and published last year, the Government has commissioned follow up research to understand in more detail the specific preferences, motivations and barriers regarding TV viewing among a variety of groups including rural, older and low-income households.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government’s project on the future of TV distribution is seeking to understand how people receive their television now and in the next decade. This will inform any decision concerning the future of digital terrestrial television services after 2034.
As part of this process, a wide range of views are being sought from across the TV sector, audience groups and infrastructure, including through a stakeholder forum that I chair. Membership of the Stakeholder Forum includes a number of groups representing rural, older and lower income audiences, including the Rural Services Network, Silver Voices and Digital Poverty Alliance.
In addition to independent research led by Exeter University and published last year, the Government has commissioned follow up research to understand in more detail the specific preferences, motivations and barriers regarding TV viewing among a variety of groups including rural, older and low-income households.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government’s project on the future of TV distribution is seeking to understand how people receive their television now and in the next decade. As part of this project, close consideration is being given to the interrelationships between television distribution and a variety of other sectors. In particular, the project has identified both the ongoing sharing of physical infrastructure by the two sectors, and that terrestrial broadcasting and mobile telecommunications represent competing uses of ultra high frequency electromagnetic spectrum.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government’s project on the future of TV distribution is seeking to understand how people receive their television now and in the next decade. This will inform any decision concerning the future of digital terrestrial television services after 2034. Before any decision is made in relation to the availability of services beyond 2034, close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences, and especially those who rely on digital terrestrial television as their primary means of watching television.
As part of this process, a wide range of views are being sought from across the TV sector, audience groups and infrastructure, including through a stakeholder forum which I chair. Membership of the Stakeholder Forum includes a range of broadcasters active in Scotland, including the Scottish broadcaster STV, the BBC and ITV. The forum also benefits from the perspectives of a number of groups representing the interests of Scottish and UK-wide audiences, such as Voice of the Listener and Viewer, Digital Poverty Alliance and Silver Voices.
Given the extensive relationship between the UK’s DTT and radio broadcast networks, we will separately look at how broadcast radio services may be affected and will ensure that any decision taken on the future of TV distribution fully considers the wider impacts on broadcast radio services.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
17 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Questions
(View all Harriet Cross's Defra questions)The UK has robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) as set out in the Foot and Mouth Disease Control Strategy for Great Britain supported by the Contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases of animals in England.
Defra’s controls to prevent FMD outbreaks in Great Britain include strict prohibitions on the imports of animals and certain untreated products of animal origin from countries in which FMD is present; a comprehensive veterinary surveillance system to detect new and emerging disease threats; and active follow up and veterinary investigation of any suspect reports of notifiable disease.
Whilst early detection of notifiable disease incidents is critical, preventing incursions of FMD is the best line of defence. To protect the UK’s freedom from FMD these measures have been stepped up in response to recent FMD outbreaks in Hungary, Slovakia and Germany. In addition to restrictions on imports from affected areas, we have also extended restrictions on personal imports. Travellers are no longer permitted to bring meat or dairy products from cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs into Great Britain from any EU country for personal use.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra has not completed an assessment as described; however the Government offers a range of support to businesses looking to invest in recycling infrastructure in the UK, including through the British Business Bank and National Wealth Fund, and financial support continues to be available for increasing domestic tyre processing capacity through Innovate UK responsive programmes and more targeted programmes focused on resource efficiency.
As explained in response to PQ 26353 on 3rd February, the Secretary of State has convened the Circular Economy Taskforce to help us develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England. Together we are considering the evidence for interventions right across the economy and are exploring a wide range of levers to drive circularity, including in the recycling sector, as we develop our strategy.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
On 25 February 2025, the secondary legislation needed to implement the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 for plants was laid in Parliament. If passed, the legislation will come into force in Autumn 2025.
This is a devolved matter, and the legislation is England only.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
In addition, to regularly exercising our disease response capabilities lessons identified reviews are undertaken at the conclusion of outbreaks to identify and evaluate where improvements to disease response capability, processes and organisational structures for managing an outbreak of exotic notifiable disease can be made.
The feedback, including that of Devolved Governments, operational partners and stakeholders is collated in lessons identified reports. These reports are published on gov.uk and provide the framework for improvements of the response to and management of disease outbreaks and the review of contingency plans, policies and operational instructions.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
All active substances used in pesticides are periodically reviewed to ensure they meet modern standards which take into account current knowledge. HSE will review the approval of glyphosate for all uses when it is due for renewal in GB. Pesticides are only authorised following a thorough scientific risk assessment that concludes all safety standards are met.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Compensation paid for birds culled by the Government for disease control purposes is designed to promote prompt reporting of suspicion of disease and is only payable for healthy birds as set out in the Animal Health Act 1981. There is no compensation available for sick birds or birds that have died.
Compensation is not paid for consequential losses, including business interruption caused by control measures, nor for eggs or poultry meat.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Three neonicotinoids – clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam – have not been authorised for general use as pesticides since 2018 because of the risks they pose to pollinators.
An application for emergency use of the neonicotinoid pesticide Cruiser SB, containing thiamethoxam, on sugar beet in England in 2025 was not approved.
Both during our election campaign and while in office, this Government has given a commitment to end emergency authorisations for these three pesticides. The next steps towards delivering this commitment were set out in a published policy statement and in a written statement to Parliament on 6 January.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
As referenced in the answer to PQ 15988, 73 per cent (1,264 of 1,730) of claims by estates for agricultural property relief in 2021-22 were for properties valued below £1 million. This is calculated using a table published by HM Treasury using HMRC data in Summary of reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief, statistical annex (30 October 2024).
According to further analysis of HMRC claims data published by HM Treasury, in 2026/27 the reforms are expected to result in up to 520 of the estates claiming agricultural property relief, including those also claiming business property relief, paying more inheritance tax. This means almost three-quarters (1,260 of 1,780) of estates claiming agricultural property relief, including those that also claim for business property relief, will not pay any more tax as a result of the changes in 2026-27, based on the latest available data. See the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s letter to the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee, Dame Meg Hillier MP: committees.parliament.uk/publications/45691/documents/226235/default/.
Defra has not made an assessment of the proportion of farming businesses that are “family-run farms”. Defra does not hold information on the purchasers of agricultural land. The Government’s assessment relates to claims for agricultural property relief and business property relief. The qualifying conditions for these reliefs are set out in Part 5 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
This Government is committed to beginning the transition to a circular economy. The Secretary of State has asked his Department to work with experts from industry, academia, civil society, and the civil service to develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England and a series of roadmaps detailing the interventions that the Government will make on a sector-by-sector basis, supporting Government’s Missions to kickstart economic growth and make Britain a clean energy superpower. We will consider the evidence for action right across the economy and evaluate what further interventions may be needed as we develop the Circular Economy Strategy.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
This Government is committed to beginning the transition to a circular economy. The Secretary of State has asked his Department to work with experts from industry, academia, civil society, and the civil service to develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England and a series of roadmaps detailing the interventions that the Government will make on a sector-by-sector basis, supporting Government’s Missions to kickstart economic growth and make Britain a clean energy superpower. We will consider the evidence for action right across the economy and evaluate what further interventions may be needed as we develop the Circular Economy Strategy.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
UK legislation requires that those involved in the shipment of waste take all necessary steps to ensure waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner throughout its shipment and at the waste management facility in the country of destination. Any operators found to be illegally exporting waste can face severe sanctions - from financial penalties to imprisonment for a period of up to two years.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra and its agencies regularly review the spread of ASF when new outbreaks occur internationally and publishes risk assessments on GOV.UK at: African swine fever in pigs and wild boars in Europe - GOV.UK.
Since the latest risk assessment of July 2024, the risk of ASF entering Great Britain through a human-mediated pathway is considered to be high, though there is considerable uncertainty around this, particularly around the illegal movement of pig products from regions of the EU affected by ASF. Defra and its agencies keep this under regular review and will reassess the risk level and corresponding controls as further information becomes available.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Meat imported commercially via Border Control Posts is subject to local authority-led official controls to ensure that it complies with UK import conditions. The Home Office’s Border Force has lead responsibility for identifying and seizing meat imported illegally other than via Border Control Posts.
Defra monitors animal disease outbreaks worldwide and assesses the risk that they might enter the United Kingdom (UK) through legal or illegal trade in animal products. Its team of veterinary and risk experts provide rapid outbreak assessments to inform import decisions and enforcement action and undertake full qualitative risk assessments in certain cases. These assessments are published on gov.uk at www.gov.uk/government/collections/animal-diseases-international-monitoring. The African swine fever (ASF) assessments consider the likelihood of banned and ASF-infected meat entering the UK without interception and are used to review and strengthen, where necessary, measures to prevent the disease reaching the UK.
To further mitigate the risks, it is illegal in the UK to feed catering or domestic food waste to livestock, including pigs.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra, like all Government departments, is undergoing a zero-based review so this policy is being measured against all others. Any ongoing funding will be subject to approvals as part of the Spending Review.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The Government is committed to protecting our biosecurity and we are using a risk based approach to maintain the appropriate level of controls.
Defra will continue to monitor for new and emerging risks and review the border control checks introduced under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
From 6 April 2026, the full 100% relief from inheritance tax will be restricted to the first £1 million of combined agricultural and business property. Above this amount, landowners will access 50% relief from inheritance tax and will pay inheritance tax at a reduced effective rate up to 20%, rather than the standard 40%. This tax can be paid in instalments over 10 years interest free, rather than immediately, as with other types of inheritance tax.
This is on top of all the other spousal exemptions and nil-rate bands that people can access for inheritance tax too. This means that two people with farmland, depending on their circumstances, can pass on up to £3 million without paying any inheritance tax. This is an assumption based on the £1 million limit and nil-rate bands and does not take into consideration the specific circumstances that may affect the tax calculation. Furthermore, if land is transferred seven years before death, farmers pay no inheritance tax at all.
With 73% of claims being for less than £1 million, the majority of estates will be unaffected, and they will be able to pass the family farm down to their children just as previous generations have always done. This is a fair and balanced approach that protects the family farm while also fixing the public services that we all rely on.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)