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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support farmers with changes in costs of fuel and fertiliser due to the war in Iran.

Food security is a priority for Government, and it is taking the impacts from developments from the Middle East conflict seriously. Defra is actively monitoring all risks across food supply chains, including through regular engagement with industry and across Government, to identify emerging pressures and support preparedness.

Defra works closely with the Cabinet Office and other departments to ensure food supply is fully incorporated as part of emergency preparedness, including consideration of dependencies on other sectors.

This Government is taking decisive action to support farmers and fishers by cutting red diesel to its lowest rate in over 20 years, reducing the rates on red diesel by a third.

This Government committed to protecting the farming sector from global pressures including the war in Iran.