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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Nature security assessment on global biodiversity loss, published by her Department on 20 January, 2026l; and what cross departmental steps she is taking in response.

The Nature security assessment forms part of routine cross-government resilience planning. It complements the UK’s National Security Strategy, National Risk Register and Chronic Risk Analysis.

Nature underpins our security, prosperity, and resilience. Climate and nature loss act as risk multipliers, increasing pressures on food systems, water security and geopolitical stability. Understanding these risks strengthens our ability to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate future challenges.

Defra, along with other Government Departments, is already taking steps to address the potential risks identified in the report.

Internationally, the UK is investing in forest and ocean protection. The UK is on track to invest £11.6 billion of International Climate Finance from 2021 to 2026, including £3 billion for vital habitats such as tropical rainforests, marine habitats and to support indigenous communities.

The UK is also taking action domestically: tree planting in England is at its highest rate in over twenty years; we are restoring peatlands, improving water quality, protecting pollinators, and have introduced landmark legislation to safeguard our marine environment.

We are strengthening supply chain resilience through the Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy and supporting food security by backing British farmers through new technology, streamlined regulation, and nature-friendly farming schemes that reward sustainable production.