Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to (a) support farmers with the cost of red diesel and (b) improve transparency and competitiveness in the red diesel market.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Farmers retained the entitlement to use red diesel for agricultural machinery after it was withdrawn from most sectors in 2022. Red diesel used in agriculture is subject to fuel duty at just 10.18p per litre compared to 52.95p for diesel used on roads, representing savings of almost £300m p.a. for the agricultural sector.

At Budget 2025, the Government extended the temporary 5p fuel duty cut alongside extending the proportionate percentage cut for rebated fuels, which includes red diesel. This maintains the red diesel rate at the levels set in March 2022 at 10.18p per litre until the end of August 2026, with rates then gradually returning to March 2022 levels by March 2027, an increase of less than 1p a litre. The planned inflation increase for 2026-27 has also been cancelled.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to (a) improve self sufficiency in food production and (b) create a framework that (i) makes resilience progress visible, (ii) builds trust and (iii) supports strategic preparedness.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

UK self-sufficiency has remained broadly stable for several decades. In 2024, the UK was 65% self-sufficient for all food; 77% for food that can be produced here. In most scenarios, strong domestic production as well as imports through stable trade routes ensures a supply of food is maintained and can withstand disruptive events such as extreme weather. The picture is nuanced, and moving to a higher level of self-sufficiency does not automatically make us more food secure.

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. Defra published the second edition of the UK Food Security Report (UKFSR) in December 2024. The UKFSR sets out an analysis of statistics relating to food security, serving as an evidence base to inform government policy and public understanding.