Contributions
1,338 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDAntimicrobial Resistance: Farm AnimalsI thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention. As I set out, we are about to consult on these matters. We have made huge progress in the right direction. I do not know whether…18 Jan 2023HANSARDTotal Allowable Catches: Fisheries NegotiationsIn the UK, we have a respectful democratic process by which we have to bring forward a statutory instrument. That statutory instrument is drafted and we are ready to roll with it,…18 Jan 2023HANSARDVAT: Pet FoodAs the hon. Gentleman will know, the Treasury leads on VAT policy, and that includes VAT policy on pet food. The Government are actively considering the impact of the increased…12 Jan 2023HANSARDCrustacean Deaths: North-east coastIt is important that we get the facts as soon as possible, but I want to give the independent panel time to assess the facts. The hon. Gentleman and I have a shared ambition. We…12 Jan 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe Government have committed to consult on mandatory labelling reforms this year. We want to make it easier for consumers to purchase products aligned with their values. As part…12 Jan 2023HANSARDCrustacean Deaths: North-east coastThe report will be given to the Secretary of State, and I expect it to come this month, in January. We want to get the facts as soon as possible, and to respond to them as they…12 Jan 2023HANSARDCrustacean Deaths: North-east coastThe independent panel of experts has already been established to look at the available data, and I expect a report from the panel later this month.12 Jan 2023HANSARDVAT: Pet FoodI pay tribute to the hon. Gentleman for highlighting that important case. The Government recognise the challenge people are facing with their household bills, which is why the…12 Jan 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsI join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to those people who are working on avian flu, including the chief vet, who was recognised in the new year’s honours list. I can assure my…12 Jan 2023HANSARDAffordable Local Food: Newcastle upon Tyne CentralThe latest national statistics from a survey published in March show that 93% of all households were food-secure in 2020-21—an increase of one percentage point from 92% in…12 Jan 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsI am chairing the fertiliser taskforce within DEFRA that is looking at these challenges. We recognise the huge pressure that fertiliser prices are putting on farmers up and down…12 Jan 2023HANSARDAffordable Local Food: Newcastle upon Tyne CentralDEFRA continues to monitor and work closely with industry to keep abreast of supply, prices and trends. While the Government do not set retail food prices or comment on commercial…12 Jan 2023HANSARDNational Food StrategyAs the hon. Lady will be aware, we have responded to that report. The Department of Health and Social Care leads in this area in tackling obesity. The good news is that British…12 Jan 2023HANSARDNational Food StrategyThe Government food strategy responded to Henry Dimbleby’s independent review of the food system, taking on several of the review’s recommendations. DEFRA also worked closely with…12 Jan 2023HANSARDEnvironmental Land Management SchemesAs my hon. Friend knows, this Government are committed to backing British farmers. Last week I announced that farmers will receive more money for protecting and enhancing nature,…12 Jan 2023HANSARDFarming: Increased CostsI thank my hon. Friend for her question and pay tribute to her work in this area. DEFRA established the ministerially chaired fertiliser taskforce with key stakeholders, in…12 Jan 2023HANSARDFarming: Increased CostsWe have taken a number of steps to help mitigate global factors that are increasing farming import costs, in fertiliser, feed, fuel and energy in particular. Those include working…12 Jan 2023HANSARDEnvironmental Land Management SchemesI hope my hon. Friend will have recognised the increase in the payments we are making. Only last week we announced that some of the prices we will pay in countryside stewardship…12 Jan 2023HANSARDFarmers: Mental HealthDEFRA’s farmer welfare forum brings together England’s largest farming and welfare organisations that provide mental health support, such as Farming Community Network, which I was…12 Jan 2023HANSARDEnvironmental Land Management SchemesI am genuinely disappointed by the hon. Gentleman’s response, and his negativity is in danger of spreading across the Front Bench. We ran a pilot—that is why the uptake was low;…12 Jan 2023