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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether (a) he and (b) his predecessors have had discussions with the Minister for the Cabinet Office on civil contingency planning for drought since January 2022; and if he will publish the minutes of those meetings.

Defra and the Cabinet Office maintain regular contact at an official level to discuss a range of risks and issues, including those relating to dry weather and drought. Cabinet Office are also regular attendees of the National Drought Group, which have been taking place on a monthly basis. I do not have details of any meetings taking place specifically between my predecessors and the minister for the Cabinet Office.