Contributions
1,212 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Tenth sitting)Agricultural tenancies are a vital part of our farming industry, accounting for nearly a third of all farmland in England and Wales. I want to see a thriving tenant farming sector…03 Mar 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Tenth sitting)I receive all the hon. Lady’s amendments warmly. She has again raised an important issue. Farm business tenancies are a vital part of our farming industry. They provide a flexible…03 Mar 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Tenth sitting)Shall I set out some of my reasons first? Then, if necessary, I will give way to the hon. Gentleman. First, evidence from the public consultation on this issue in England does not…03 Mar 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Tenth sitting)The hon. Gentleman and I have undertaken to have a specific conversation later about de-linking and lump sum payments. I tried to set out the position this morning. Once a…03 Mar 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Tenth sitting)I love it too.03 Mar 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Tenth sitting)Again, we broadly share the same values and principles, but—I am sorry to be tedious about the law and the drafting, not that I would ever accuse my right hon. Friend the Member…03 Mar 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Tenth sitting)The clause will allow the Government to modernise organic regulations. I appreciate the opportunity to say a few brief words to clear up previous misunderstandings. The Committee…03 Mar 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Ninth sitting)It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship again, Mr Stringer. Clause 9 provides the Secretary of State with the power to modify, for England, the legislation governing the…03 Mar 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Ninth sitting)The situation is under consideration, and I ask the hon. Gentleman to wait for the Department to consider the matter further. Farmers are undoubtedly suffering because of flooding…03 Mar 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Tenth sitting)Section 2 of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 changes the name of the Welsh legislature to “Senedd Cymru”—I hope the hon. Member for Newport West will correct me if got…03 Mar 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Ninth sitting)The clause allows the Secretary of State to make regulations to apply reductions to farmers’ payments under the basic payment scheme in England so that we can phase them out. We…03 Mar 2020HANSARDHealth and Social CareAll too often when a baby dies, the shutters come down in a trust and we cannot get the answers that we need. Will the Minister—who is providing great leadership in this area—meet…02 Mar 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Eighth sitting)As the hon. Gentleman knows, we pledged to guarantee the current annual budget to farming in every year of this Parliament. I want to make it completely clear that that commitment…27 Feb 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Eighth sitting)It is always good to discuss funding for agriculture further. I begin with amendment 37. The Government faced a fair challenge from parliamentarians on the previous Agriculture…27 Feb 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Eighth sitting)We’re glad too.27 Feb 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Eighth sitting)Clause 5 places a duty on the Secretary of State to prepare a report each financial year, which I have spoken about extensively already. The report will detail the financial…27 Feb 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Eighth sitting)Thank you, Mr Stringer. I am so sorry to have to keep checking such matters. Turning to new clause 2, the introduction of the multi-annual financial assistance plans has been…27 Feb 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Eighth sitting)No. Question put and agreed to. Clause 5 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 6 and 7 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 8 The agricultural transition…27 Feb 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Eighth sitting)Yes, speed is important, but so are certainty and good government. I know that many people in this room will agree with me that direct payments are poor value for money and…27 Feb 2020HANSARDAgriculture Bill (Eighth sitting)I can anticipate what the hon. Gentleman will ask. It will be a domestic grant scheme with a more transparent administration process and regulation and enforcement regime, to…27 Feb 2020