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To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are seeking legal advice about potential litigation risks from other international trade counterparties resulting from a future UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement; and if so, to which departments will this be provided.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are seeking legal advice about potential litigation risks from other international trade counterparties resulting from a future UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement; and if so, to which departments will this be provided.
This Government considers matters relating to legal risk and potential legal risk across the range of government work, and has the benefit of expert in-house legal teams who advise across the whole range of government work.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the strategic compatibility between a future UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement and the UK's membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the strategic compatibility between a future UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement and the UK's membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.
This Government is currently negotiating a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement to reduce barriers to trade, improve the flow of agrifood goods and maintain high standards of biosecurity. The department expect the agreement with the EU to be consistent with Defra’s international obligations and have entered negotiations with the EU in full awareness of the department’s international commitments, including under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
My Lords, the highly critical judgment against Natural England in this court case is the latest in a long list of failures: Ebbsfleet jumping spiders, fish discos, bat tunnels, pony culls and, even as we sit in this Chamber today, dangerous wildfires in upland areas following Natural England policy. Will this Government, under their new leadership, ensure that Natural England follows science, not prejudice, and focuses on delivering the best outcomes for nature and for our economy? I declare my interests as a farmer, landowner, developer and sporting rights owner.
My Lords, the highly critical judgment against Natural England in this court case is the latest in a long list of failures: Ebbsfleet jumping spiders, fish discos, bat tunnels, pony culls and, even as we sit in this Chamber today, dangerous wildfires in upland areas following Natural England policy. Will this Government, under their new leadership, ensure that Natural England follows science, not prejudice, and focuses on delivering the best outcomes for nature and for our economy? I declare my interests as a farmer, landowner, developer and sporting rights owner.
First, we have not been culling ponies. A lot was written about that, but I am not aware of any ponies that were culled or that are going to be culled. The Dartmoor pony is an important species in that part of the country. As for the other issues, we will obviously be looking at the judgment and analysing it, and we will respond to it in due course.
My Lords, the English Atlantic salmon is also a victim of bycatch, yet it is on the IUCN red list of endangered species. The salmon is an easy to monitor species that is a key contributor to and indicator of the health of our native ecosystems. What progress has been made on rolling out the bycatch initiative to UK vessels and EU vessels, where this Government have given another 12 years of access to our fisheries? Will EU vessels be managed under this plan? I declare my interest as the owner of fishing rights in England and Scotland.
My Lords, the English Atlantic salmon is also a victim of bycatch, yet it is on the IUCN red list of endangered species. The salmon is an easy to monitor species that is a key contributor to and indicator of the health of our native ecosystems. What progress has been made on rolling out the bycatch initiative to UK vessels and EU vessels, where this Government have given another 12 years of access to our fisheries? Will EU vessels be managed under this plan? I declare my interest as the owner of fishing rights in England and Scotland.
Perhaps I should declare my interest, as I have fishing rights in England for salmon and brown trout.
A lot of these issues are tied up with the negotiations that we are doing with the EU around fishing rights and what access the EU will have, so it is difficult for me to comment on that in any detail. On the salmon bycatch, this is an important question. We have some real issues with numbers of salmon, as the noble Lord knows. Defra has been exploring the different options to improve the data collection for salmon bycatch. That includes monitoring, using REM on vessels, so that we can have a clear picture, get more data and look at how best to target the problems that this is causing to salmon stocks.
My Lords, the land use framework identified the need for greater intensity and yields from our best farmland to compensate for the loss of production elsewhere. Market prices for agricultural commodities do not currently support an incentive to intensify this production and underpin our food security. Can the Minister clarify what support is given to farmers with this land through ELMS to meet the Government’s goals and enhance our food security? I declare my interest as a farmer.
My Lords, the land use framework identified the need for greater intensity and yields from our best farmland to compensate for the loss of production elsewhere. Market prices for agricultural commodities do not currently support an incentive to intensify this production and underpin our food security. Can the Minister clarify what support is given to farmers with this land through ELMS to meet the Government’s goals and enhance our food security? I declare my interest as a farmer.
The Government are supporting farmers through a number of different schemes. For example, we have committed at least £200 million through the farming innovation programme to support productivity improvements. We are also supporting skills development, farmer collaboration and adoption of innovative land management practices. There is a lot going on and a lot of options for farmers who are looking for support.
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 1 July (HL Deb col 1066), whether they have asked for an exception carve-out for precision breeding and gene editing in the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement negotiations.
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 1 July (HL Deb col 1066), whether they have asked for an exception carve-out for precision breeding and gene editing in the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement negotiations.
We remain committed to implementing the Precision Breeding Act and enabling the safe development of innovative genetic technologies.
Under the UK‑EU Common Understanding, it is recognised that there will be areas where the UK will retain its own rules. The detail of those is subject to ongoing negotiations, and it would not be appropriate to comment further.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the revenue opportunity for the farming community from carbon and nature markets by 2030.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the revenue opportunity for the farming community from carbon and nature markets by 2030.
This Government is committed to supporting the growth of nature services markets, providing new ways for farmers to diversify revenue and increase business resilience. Opportunities for individual farms vary, depending on their farming system, local demand for nature services, and their appetite for diversification.
This Government does not have a quantified assessment of the cumulative revenue opportunities for carbon and nature markets by 2030 but is acting to increase demand. This includes extending mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, establishing the Nature Restoration Fund, and growing the role of nature-based solutions for the water system through reforms outlined in “A New Vision for Water”.
The Government’s £13m Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund supported more than 130 projects – many involving farmers – to attract private finance. The Government is also working with the British Standards Institution to outline clear standards, so farmers can take up market opportunities with confidence.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to help farmers diversify their income through nature-based solutions to environmental issues.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to help farmers diversify their income through nature-based solutions to environmental issues.
This Government is committed to supporting the growth of nature services markets, providing new ways for farmers to diversify revenue and increase business resilience. Opportunities for individual farms vary, depending on their farming system, local demand for nature services, and their appetite for diversification.
This Government does not have a quantified assessment of the cumulative revenue opportunities for carbon and nature markets by 2030 but is acting to increase demand. This includes extending mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, establishing the Nature Restoration Fund, and growing the role of nature-based solutions for the water system through reforms outlined in “A New Vision for Water”.
The Government’s £13m Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund supported more than 130 projects – many involving farmers – to attract private finance. The Government is also working with the British Standards Institution to outline clear standards, so farmers can take up market opportunities with confidence.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the "Made in the UK" requirements for single and multi-ingredient produce.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the "Made in the UK" requirements for single and multi-ingredient produce.
The fundamental principles of our food labelling rules are that information provided to the consumer must not mislead and must enable consumers to make informed decisions.
Country of origin information is required for fresh and frozen meat of beef cattle, sheep, goat, pigs and poultry, as well as uncut fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, olive oil, wine and some fish products. It is also required for all prepacked food where its omission would be misleading to consumers. In any case, where an indication of origin or provenance is given, either in words or pictures, this must be accurate.
Under existing rules, any food or food product that is not classed as UK origin cannot be presented (or implied e.g. using a Union flag) as being British. Food products manufactured in the UK are British products, many of which are well known British brands abroad. But if these contain a primary ingredient that is not British, then a British claim can only be made on the label if the label also highlights that the primary ingredient is not British.
Defra officials will continue to review the rules around origin labelling.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the 2030 goal of 50 per cent of Sites of Special Scientific Interest features reaching a favourable condition is sufficiently ambitious.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the 2030 goal of 50 per cent of Sites of Special Scientific Interest features reaching a favourable condition is sufficiently ambitious.
This Government considers the interim target for 50% of Sites of Special Scientific Interest features to have actions on track to achieve favourable condition by December 2030, to be ambitious and achievable.
The interim target was set following the review of the 2023 Environmental Improvement plan, which looked at the environmental data and indicators and the expected delivery against Environment Act targets.
We considered the scale of action needed to improve the condition of features alongside the ambition for 75% of protected sites to be in favourable condition by 2042. Delivery is supported by improved monitoring, sustainable land management, action to tackle pressures such as pollution, Protected Site Strategies, and the Major Landowners Group.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish an impact assessment of a UK–EU sanitary and phytosanitary agreement before it is signed.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish an impact assessment of a UK–EU sanitary and phytosanitary agreement before it is signed.
The Government will prepare a regulatory impact assessment for the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement as part of the normal regulatory process. The assessment will be developed alongside any secondary legislation required to implement the Agreement and will set out the impacts of the resulting legislative changes.
The Government will prepare a regulatory impact assessment for the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement as part of the normal regulatory process. The assessment will be developed alongside any secondary legislation required to implement the Agreement and will set out the impacts of the resulting legislative changes.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether Natural England delivers value for money.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether Natural England delivers value for money.
Natural England (NE) is an arm's-length body whose expenditure is subject to public accounting and audit arrangements, adhering to the requirements of HMT ‘Managing Public Money’. The National Audit Office also conducts value for money studies across government, including Natural England, which Defra responds to.
The NE Framework Document sets out financial accountabilities and controls and the operational framework between NE and Defra. NE publishes independently audited annual accounts which are laid before Parliament. Defra ensures NE provides value for money by implementing robust accountability including quarterly performance monitoring and Ministerial oversight.
Lords motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
Lords motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
Lords motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
Lords motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for this statutory instrument following the Government’s consultation on the application for the Rolls-Royce small modular reactor. The decision obviously confirms that the small modular reactor is justified in principle, and we support that. This is an encouraging step in the right...
My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for this statutory instrument following the Government’s consultation on the application for the Rolls-Royce small modular reactor. The decision obviously confirms that the small modular reactor is justified in principle, and we support that. This is an encouraging step in the right...
My Lords, we on these Benches also welcome this measure to extend the transition period for businesses to submit information to the
Health and Safety Executive under the UK REACH regulations. I thank the Minister for bringing these regulations to the Committee.
The UK’s registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals...
My Lords, we on these Benches also welcome this measure to extend the transition period for businesses to submit information to the
Health and Safety Executive under the UK REACH regulations. I thank the Minister for bringing these regulations to the Committee.
The UK’s registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals...
My Lords, I thank the Minister for the Statement, the noble Baroness, Lady Batters, for her excellent review on farming profitability, and my noble friend Lady Rock, who is in her place, for the Rock report, which also seems to have been carefully read by the Government. I draw the...
My Lords, I thank the Minister for the Statement, the noble Baroness, Lady Batters, for her excellent review on farming profitability, and my noble friend Lady Rock, who is in her place, for the Rock report, which also seems to have been carefully read by the Government. I draw the...
My Lords, I refer the House to my registered interests as a farmer and landowner. Farming in England is struggling, with globally high employment and environmental costs, while selling at prices set in international commodity markets by lower-cost regions of the world. Despite the dedication of our farmers, that threatens our food security. How will the Minister ensure that farmers are adequately rewarded for the ecosystem services they supply alongside food, beyond the low-margin ELMS payments?
My Lords, I refer the House to my registered interests as a farmer and landowner. Farming in England is struggling, with globally high employment and environmental costs, while selling at prices set in international commodity markets by lower-cost regions of the world. Despite the dedication of our farmers, that threatens our food security. How will the Minister ensure that farmers are adequately rewarded for the ecosystem services they supply alongside food, beyond the low-margin ELMS payments?
The ELM scheme, which is backed by nearly £12 billion, is already delivering sustainable and profitable farming approaches. We need to work on this and develop this more. We have strong food security. We do not take anything for granted and we will continue to work across the supply chain and with partners to maintain and enhance it.
My Lords, these new powers for the EA have been described by the Government as “police-style powers”. Given that this is about enforcing the law and the EA has failed to do so, has the Minister considered that the police themselves would be more effective in enforcement if they were given that responsibility?
My Lords, these new powers for the EA have been described by the Government as “police-style powers”. Given that this is about enforcing the law and the EA has failed to do so, has the Minister considered that the police themselves would be more effective in enforcement if they were given that responsibility?
The key thing, as I mentioned earlier, is that the EA has made some arrests—since September last year, 22 arrests have been linked to waste crime. However, it is important to note that arrests have to be made by the police—the noble Lord made that point quite clearly—and that is done working very closely with the Environment Agency. One way to increase this is to make sure that the agencies work very well together. One issue is that police arrests are not tracked centrally, and we are continuing to work with the Home Office on how we can improve that joint working.
My Lords, hare populations vary dramatically around our country, and the breeding season can be for most of the year. Can the Minister clarify that she will ensure that hares can still be controlled where appropriate? I declare an interest as the owner of land where hare populations need encouragement rather than control.
My Lords, hare populations vary dramatically around our country, and the breeding season can be for most of the year. Can the Minister clarify that she will ensure that hares can still be controlled where appropriate? I declare an interest as the owner of land where hare populations need encouragement rather than control.
Absolutely, I can confirm that. The idea is to bring in a close season in line with those of other countries, not to stop control of hares absolutely.