That this House congratulates Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer, based in Bruton, Somerset, on being named British and Irish Supreme Champion at the 2026 Global Cheese Awards, held at the Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show, for its Ivy's Reserve Vintage Cheddar; notes that Wyke Farms also received recognition for its Extra Mature Cheddar at the same awards; recognises the exceptional standard of entries at this year's competition; commends the skill and dedication of the Wyke Farms' team in producing award-winning cheese from milk sourced within a 50‑mile radius; applauds Wyke Farms' contribution to Somerset's food and farming sector as pioneers of sustainable farming and a carbon-neutral cheddar producer; and urges the Government to invest more in circular food production models that retains value in their region, supports farmers and reduces environmental impact.

That this House congratulates Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer, based in Bruton, Somerset, on being named British and Irish Supreme Champion at the 2026 Global Cheese Awards, held at the Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show, for its Ivy's Reserve Vintage Cheddar; notes that Wyke Farms also received...

That this House notes with concern the impact of extreme summer heat on UK fresh produce; calls for greater flexibility in cosmetic specifications for fresh produce, given that appearance does not reflect nutritional value, in order to reduce food waste before it leaves the farm gate; further calls on the Government to strengthen the powers of the Groceries Code Adjudicator to protect both producers and consumers; believes that food security is national security; and further believes that a Good Food Bill would help transform England's food system to reduce reliance on foreign imports rather than domestic self-sufficiency, improve access to nutritious food, support lower prices for consumers, and establish a statutory national food strategy.

That this House notes with concern the impact of extreme summer heat on UK fresh produce; calls for greater flexibility in cosmetic specifications for fresh produce, given that appearance does not reflect nutritional value, in order to reduce food waste before it leaves the farm gate; further calls on the...

That this House celebrates the work of the artist George Henry Longly; praises his large-scale public artwork CHRONOS situated at Fresh Wharf on the banks of the River Thames, which draws together elements of geology, archaeology, mythology and architecture; further celebrates the close collaboration between artist, fabricator and installers in creating public art for the capital; recognises its contribution to London's riverside walk; congratulates him on his success as a Somerset-born artist in bringing his work to the capital, and on the wider contribution rural artists make to the UK's cultural life; notes that rural creative practitioners are frequently under-represented in national arts funding streams; further notes that the cultural industry is worth £115 billion to the economy; and calls on the Government to recognise the vital contribution of rural artists, craftspeople and creative businesses to the cultural and economic life of the countryside and to strengthen support for rural grassroots artists and venues and for reinvestment in the sector.

That this House celebrates the work of the artist George Henry Longly; praises his large-scale public artwork CHRONOS situated at Fresh Wharf on the banks of the River Thames, which draws together elements of geology, archaeology, mythology and architecture; further celebrates the close collaboration between artist, fabricator and installers in...

That this House notes with concern that demand for the 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive had allocated 75% of the window 1 budget within weeks of the scheme opening; pays tribute to farmers across the country, particularly smaller and hill farms, for producing food, caring for the countryside and tackling climate change, during a cost of doing farming crisis; further notes that for many of them SFI is now their only direct financial support; expresses concern that England remains an outlier among European nations in providing no direct payments to farmers, making properly funded and accessible environmental schemes essential to their survival; recognises that farmers need confidence that schemes will remain open and funded during their advertised duration; also notes that the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pledged there would be no more sudden and unexpected closures of farming schemes following the abrupt suspension of SFI in 2024; believes that SFI26 must remain open and accessible to all farmers who need it; regrets that farmers are being forced into a race against the clock to apply before funds run out; and calls on the Government to guarantee sufficient, long-term funding for all eligible SFI26 applicants regardless of landscape or designation, by committing to an additional £1 billion a year for environmental land management schemes, so that farmers have the certainty they need to invest in nature-friendly farming, food security and climate resilience.

That this House notes with concern that demand for the 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive had allocated 75% of the window 1 budget within weeks of the scheme opening; pays tribute to farmers across the country, particularly smaller and hill farms, for producing food, caring for the countryside and tackling climate...

That this House notes with concern the wildfires that broke out near Ilminster in Somerset recently, one of several simultaneous incidents that placed significant strain on fire crews from multiple counties amid warnings of exceptional wildfire risk; further notes that Somerset has this year experienced both devastating flash flooding and dangerous heat leading to wildfires, underlining the county's exposure to the extremes of a changing climate; recognises that farmers and landowners in Somerset are on the front line of this challenge and that wildfires can spread quickly in built-up areas as well as the countryside; further recognises that fire ponds serve a critical dual purpose, providing a store of water for irrigation and livestock through dry spells and a reliable water source for fire crews in rural areas where mains hydrants cannot reach; believes that wildfire resilience should be treated as part of the same interconnected challenge as drought and flood adaptation, rather than a separate issue, within the Farming Roadmap 2050; calls on the Government to make fire pond creation and restoration an explicit, eligible, funded action within the Sustainable Farming Incentive, with clear capital grant support for Somerset's landowners; further calls on the Government to work with the National Fire Chiefs Council to map the areas of Somerset most at risk of wildfire and least served by water access; and urges the Government to set out how fire pond provision will be monitored and reported on as part of wider climate adaptation delivery.

That this House notes with concern the wildfires that broke out near Ilminster in Somerset recently, one of several simultaneous incidents that placed significant strain on fire crews from multiple counties amid warnings of exceptional wildfire risk; further notes that Somerset has this year experienced both devastating flash flooding and...

That this House congratulates Mott MacDonald on winning the Best Project and Best in Region at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) South West Awards for Planning Excellence 2026 for their work on the Glastonbury Abbey Yard and St Dunstan's House Community Health and Wellbeing Centre; notes that the scheme has now progressed to the national finals of the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, with national finalists to be announced on 7 October 2026 and winners celebrated on 3 December 2026; recognises the vital contribution that skilled planning delivers in unlocking lasting social, environmental and economic value for communities such as Glastonbury and Somerton; and wishes Mott MacDonald every success as they go forward to represent the South West at the national awards.

That this House congratulates Mott MacDonald on winning the Best Project and Best in Region at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) South West Awards for Planning Excellence 2026 for their work on the Glastonbury Abbey Yard and St Dunstan's House Community Health and Wellbeing Centre; notes that the scheme...

That this House notes with concern that the brown hare is the only game species in England and Wales without a statutory close season, leaving pregnant does and nursing mothers liable to be shot during the breeding season and their leverets to starve; recognises that hares are sentient animals capable of suffering; further notes that the shooting of pregnant does and nursing mothers during the breeding season raises significant animal welfare concerns; understands that the brown hare population has declined by an estimated 80% over the past century to fewer than 500,000, with illegal hare coursing placing further pressure on the species; recognises that the brown hare is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and forms part of the Government's indicators for legally binding species abundance targets; observes that Scotland and Northern Ireland have protected hares since 2011, as do most European countries; welcomes the intention in the Animal Welfare Strategy for England to consider bringing forward a close season for hares; also notes that the Government's concurrent consultation on firearms licensing, including the reclassification of shotguns, provides an opportunity to increase the protection of quarry species during their breeding season; regrets the omission of any close season measure from the King's Speech; and calls on the Government to bring forward legislation at the earliest opportunity establishing a statutory close season for hare shooting so that leverets born this spring and in future years receive the legal protection on which the species' survival depends.

That this House notes with concern that the brown hare is the only game species in England and Wales without a statutory close season, leaving pregnant does and nursing mothers liable to be shot during the breeding season and their leverets to starve; recognises that hares are sentient animals capable...

That this House congratulates Somerset Council on the recognition of its Ham Hill Country Park project, Uncovering Ham Hill's Past for its Future, at the Campaign to Protect Rural England Somerset Love Your Countryside Awards 2026; notes that this five-year programme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has delivered new and improved paths and waymarked trails, a new accessible visitor centre with exhibition, café and community facilities, whilst enhancing biodiversity and habitat protection including support for species such as the Shrill Carder Bee; further notes the project's commitment to inclusion through improved accessibility features including an all-terrain mobility vehicle; celebrates the expansion of volunteering, community archaeology and learning opportunities which have deepened local engagement; and calls on the Government to recognise the value of heritage-led countryside programmes in connecting communities with nature, protecting our rural heritage and making the countryside accessible to all.

That this House congratulates Somerset Council on the recognition of its Ham Hill Country Park project, Uncovering Ham Hill's Past for its Future, at the Campaign to Protect Rural England Somerset Love Your Countryside Awards 2026; notes that this five-year programme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has delivered...

That this House celebrates Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, recognising the rich cultural heritage, histories and contributions of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities across the UK; notes the significant inequalities these communities continue to face, including high rates of school exclusion, discrimination in spatial planning and planning enforcement, and barriers to accessing health, financial and justice services; believes that meaningful Government engagement with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities is essential to developing policies that deliver real change, including addressing the chronic shortage of transit and permanent pitches which forces families into unauthorised encampments; recognises that music is central to the cultural identity of many Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and that the ability to move freely to perform is integral to that tradition, yet travelling musicians and performers face significant barriers in pursuing their craft; expresses deep concern at comments made by senior politicians who, during Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, have made sweeping and demeaning generalisations about these communities, including that they are able to break laws that no one else would get away with; believes that such language is unacceptable, risks causing real division and is contrary to the Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance that strongly recommends that politicians avoid implying that people sharing a protected characteristic are collectively responsible for a social problem; and calls on the Government to reaffirm its commitment to tackling discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

That this House celebrates Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, recognising the rich cultural heritage, histories and contributions of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities across the UK; notes the significant inequalities these communities continue to face, including high rates of school exclusion, discrimination in spatial planning and planning enforcement, and...

That this House celebrates the campaign to Save the Bell Inn in Curry Mallet, a community-led effort to bring the pub back into community ownership, which has been named as one of three finalists in the One to Watch category of the 2026 Plunkett UK Rural Community Business Awards; notes that this award recognises community businesses that are yet to open but whose journey to establish a vital communal hub represents an exciting development for their local areas; pays tribute to Plunkett UK, the national charity that supports people in rural areas to set up and run businesses in community ownership, for the vital role it plays in sustaining rural life and fostering the communal hubs, including pubs, that provide employment, social connection and strengthen local economies across the country; calls on the Government to strengthen planning protections for community pubs, exempt hospitality SMEs from the Employer NIC increase and instruct the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate the non-domestic energy market so that community businesses can access fair energy deals; and wishes the Bell Inn and all finalists the very best of luck at the awards ceremony in London on 2 July 2026.

That this House celebrates the campaign to Save the Bell Inn in Curry Mallet, a community-led effort to bring the pub back into community ownership, which has been named as one of three finalists in the One to Watch category of the 2026 Plunkett UK Rural Community Business Awards; notes...

That this House congratulates the organisers, volunteers, musicians and supporters of Home Farm Fest 19, taking place from 12 to 14 June in Chilthorne Domer; notes that Home Farm Fest is the annual fundraiser for School in a Bag, a charity which provides schoolbags filled with stationery and eating utensils to children around the world who are deprived of an education; recognises that since its founding in 2006 the festival has grown from a single-stage, one-day concert into a three-day event with nine stages, over 150 bands, and more than 300 volunteers, with all musicians donating their time and all profits reinvested into the charity's work; further notes with pride that Home Farm Fest has raised over £941,000 for that cause to date; and commends this outstanding example of community spirit, in which the joy of live music in the Somerset countryside is harnessed to support access to educations for some of the world’s most disadvantaged children.

That this House congratulates the organisers, volunteers, musicians and supporters of Home Farm Fest 19, taking place from 12 to 14 June in Chilthorne Domer; notes that Home Farm Fest is the annual fundraiser for School in a Bag, a charity which provides schoolbags filled with stationery and eating utensils...

That this House celebrates the eleventh consecutive National Fish and Chip Day on 5 June 2026, which champions the role that fish and chip shops play at the heart of communities, many of which remain cherished, family-run businesses; notes with concern the severe financial pressures facing the sector, including soaring costs of energy, fish, oil and packaging, compounded by the impact of recent changes to National Insurance contributions on the wage bills of small and independent operators; calls on the Government to instruct the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate the non-domestic energy market and to exempt hospitality SMEs from the Employer National Insurance increases; and congratulates Knight's Fish Restaurant in Glastonbury on winning the Quality Accreditation Champion award at the 38th National Fish and Chip Awards 2026, organised by the National Federation of Fish Friers, as a leading example of the excellence and resilience found in local-community businesses.

That this House celebrates the eleventh consecutive National Fish and Chip Day on 5 June 2026, which champions the role that fish and chip shops play at the heart of communities, many of which remain cherished, family-run businesses; notes with concern the severe financial pressures facing the sector, including soaring...

That this House congratulates Dr Anna Hewison, a farm veterinary surgeon from Glastonbury, on being shortlisted as a finalist for the British Veterinary Association Young Vet of the Year Award 2026; notes that Dr Hewison has been recognised for consistently high standards of care and service to animals and farming families in her local community, as well as her commitment to mentoring colleagues and her own professional development; recognises that farm vets are essential to the health of British agriculture, providing expertise in disease prevention and control, livestock welfare and the sustainability of rural livelihoods; acknowledges that the UK has long prided itself on world-leading animal welfare standards and that maintaining those standards requires skilled, dedicated veterinary professionals working in close partnership with farmers; further acknowledges the need to pass a comprehensive Animal Welfare Bill to ensure that British farming and animal welfare standards are not undermined by new trade deals, in addition to securing a veterinary and phytosanitary agreement with the European Union to protect those standards; and wishes Dr Hewison every success at the BVA Awards dinner at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on 11 June 2026.

That this House congratulates Dr Anna Hewison, a farm veterinary surgeon from Glastonbury, on being shortlisted as a finalist for the British Veterinary Association Young Vet of the Year Award 2026; notes that Dr Hewison has been recognised for consistently high standards of care and service to animals and farming...

That this House celebrates World Cider Day on 3rd June and recognises the important contribution made by the UK’s 450 cider makers, supporting 65,000 jobs, contributing almost £2.7 billion to the UK economy and sustaining rural communities across agriculture, production and hospitality; notes that more than 98% of apple cider consumed in the UK is made domestically, supporting British farmers and more than 15,000 acres of orchard; recognises the role traditional orchards play in enhancing biodiversity, storing carbon and protecting the rural landscape; acknowledges the pressures facing cider makers from rising costs and increasing regulatory burdens; and calls on the Government to work in partnership with the sector to protect rural jobs and investment, preserve the cider duty differential and support the long-term future of British cider making.

That this House celebrates World Cider Day on 3rd June and recognises the important contribution made by the UK’s 450 cider makers, supporting 65,000 jobs, contributing almost £2.7 billion to the UK economy and sustaining rural communities across agriculture, production and hospitality; notes that more than 98% of apple cider...

That this House congratulates the Shoemakers Museum in Street on being shortlisted for Permanent Exhibition of the Year at the 2026 Museum and Heritage Awards for its Place, People and Purpose exhibition; recognises the importance of the Shoemakers Museum in preserving and celebrating the rich history of shoemaking in the town, with their exhibition conveying the story of Clarks from its Quaker origins to its global influence through four galleries dedicated to the people, craft and history behind shoemaking in the area; acknowledges the important role the museum plays in attracting visitors and supporting tourism in Street; and commends all those involved in the Shoemakers Project Team in the museum for this achievement, which is a source of great pride for the local community.

That this House congratulates the Shoemakers Museum in Street on being shortlisted for Permanent Exhibition of the Year at the 2026 Museum and Heritage Awards for its Place, People and Purpose exhibition; recognises the importance of the Shoemakers Museum in preserving and celebrating the rich history of shoemaking in the...

That this House celebrates Nature Friendly Farming Week, taking place from Monday 18 until Sunday 24 May; notes that this week is the Nature Friendly Farming Network’s annual celebration to recognising the invaluable efforts of farmers who work in harmony with nature; recognises this year’s theme, solutions for climate and communities; highlights the important role that nature-friendly farming practices play in helping rural communities adapt to climate change through building greater resilience whilst strengthening local food systems; further notes that British farmers are the foundation of rural communities, they are key allies in the fight to tackle climate change, to enhance the natural environment and feed the country; condemns the Government’s closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive as yet another attack on farming communities and their ability to farm sustainably; calls on the Government to support profitable, sustainable and nature-friendly farming by accelerating the roll-out of the Environmental Land Management Schemes and properly fund the farming budget with an extra £1 billion a year; understands this increased investment in agroecological and regenerative farming, including measures to increase soil carbon, restore woodland and wetlands and sustainable management of extensively grazed grasslands, will help achieve a more secure future for farming, food production and our natural environment; and acknowledges that these measures should form part of a coherent national food strategy, as set out in the Good Food Bill, to strengthen the resilience of the UK food supply, support British produce and improve access to healthy and affordable food.

That this House celebrates Nature Friendly Farming Week, taking place from Monday 18 until Sunday 24 May; notes that this week is the Nature Friendly Farming Network’s annual celebration to recognising the invaluable efforts of farmers who work in harmony with nature; recognises this year’s theme, solutions for climate and...

That this House celebrates the centenary of Thrive, originally founded in 1926 as The Community Council in Somerset; recognises the organisation's 100 years of dedicated service supporting individuals, families and local communities across the county through changing social and economic circumstances; commends Thrive's enduring role in promoting resilience, inclusion and practical support for the most vulnerable in society; pays particular tribute to Thrive's Village Agents programme, which now assists one in every 30 residents in Somerset by providing trusted, locally based support on issues ranging from isolation and wellbeing to housing, benefits and access to services; further recognises the dedication of the Village Agents themselves, whose presence in often rural and underserved communities has become a vital lifeline for many; and notes the launch of Thrive's Centenary Creative Competition to commemorate their milestone, inviting individuals, schools and colleges to respond to the themes What will Somerset look like in 100 years? and What does community mean to me?, with submissions preserved in a digital time capsule to capture the creativity and aspirations of the current generation for the future.

That this House celebrates the centenary of Thrive, originally founded in 1926 as The Community Council in Somerset; recognises the organisation's 100 years of dedicated service supporting individuals, families and local communities across the county through changing social and economic circumstances; commends Thrive's enduring role in promoting resilience, inclusion and...

That this House recognises the mental health crisis among the British agricultural sector; acknowledges that 95% of farmers in the UK under the age of 40 ranked poor mental health as one of the biggest hidden problems facing the industry; is concerned by RABI’s findings that revealed that one-in-five respondents to their Big Farming Survey knew someone within the sector who had taken their own life; further recognises the host of challenges facing British farmers from high energy, feed and fertiliser costs to unfair trade deals that have undercut the industry; understands that climate change has increased the risks of flooding and temperature increases that reduce crop yields and disrupt growing seasons; expresses regret at the Government’s recent changes to APR and BPR that will have a negative impact on family farms across the country that are already struggling to be profitable; commends the work of mental health charities such as the Farm Safety Foundation, whose annual Mind Your Head campaign aims to raise awareness of this growing issue within farming; and calls on the Government to reverse the changes to APR, increase the farming budget by £1 billion a year and improve access to mental health services in rural areas by supporting the continued roll-out of mental health hubs.

That this House recognises the mental health crisis among the British agricultural sector; acknowledges that 95% of farmers in the UK under the age of 40 ranked poor mental health as one of the biggest hidden problems facing the industry; is concerned by RABI’s findings that revealed that one-in-five respondents...

That this House expresses concern regarding the significant downturn of the farmgate milk price at a point where the cost of production is increasing; recognises the challenges to farmers unless the cost of production can be reduced; further recognises that the milk price drop follows an unprecedented dry summer causing one of the worst harvests on record forcing farmers to buy in additional winter feed leaving them struggling to cover overheads; understands that despite the introduction of Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk), farmers remain subject to one-sided contracts that allow processors to cut prices unsustainably, threatening the viability of the UK’s dairy industry; notes that these pressures are being compounded by global market volatility and the impact of the proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief, the no notice closure of SFI with limited clarity on its future iteration and the late announcement of the mid-tier Countryside Stewardship Agreements continuation; expresses alarm that the number of dairy farms has declined by more than 30%, with the national herd having depleted by 90,000 since 2015; and calls on the Government to secure a fair deal for British farmers by bringing both regulators together under the GCA, strengthening its powers and resources, while applying the principle of fair dealings to protect the long-term future of the British dairy industry.

That this House expresses concern regarding the significant downturn of the farmgate milk price at a point where the cost of production is increasing; recognises the challenges to farmers unless the cost of production can be reduced; further recognises that the milk price drop follows an unprecedented dry summer causing...

That this House expresses concern about the Government’s decision to introduce reforms to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR), which took effect on 6 April 2026 and has limited the availability of full relief and created new thresholds on qualifying assets; recognises the Government’s decision to increase the 100% rate of relief threshold from £1 million to £2.5 million as a hard-fought concession, yet still risks leaving too many family farms facing an effective tax rate of 20% on assets above the limit; understands these changes risk forced sales of productive farmland to meet inheritance tax liabilities, weakening the resilience of domestic food production and undermining long-term food security by reducing our ability to withstand global supply shocks; notes the negative impact this policy will have on local rural economies by reducing employment opportunities, straining local agricultural supply chains, restricting agricultural business growth and threatening the existence of the financial support rural communities depend on; calls on the Government to recognise the 18 months of uncertainty our farmers have been forced to face, owing to this ill-conceived policy and pledge their support to our agricultural sector by reversing the changes made to APR and BPR in full; and further calls on the Government to increase the farming budget by £1 billion a year to help ensure the agricultural sector's future viability and protect the UK’s food security.

That this House expresses concern about the Government’s decision to introduce reforms to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR), which took effect on 6 April 2026 and has limited the availability of full relief and created new thresholds on qualifying assets; recognises the Government’s decision to increase...