Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Fens Reservoir at Chatteris on Chatteris Airfield.

Anglian Water is responsible for the development of the Fens reservoir. Proposals will be consulted on and will follow the requirements of the National Policy Statement for Water Resources Infrastructure. A traffic and transport assessment is currently underway and further information will be shared with communities as part of the next phase of consultation this Autumn. Anglian Water plans to submit the application for a Development Consent Order in 2027. After which determination of the application by the Secretary of State is expected in 2028/29 and should Development Consent be granted, construction of the reservoir could start in 2029/30. A socio-economic strategy for the project is being developed with input from the local authorities and community and includes assessing the number of jobs that could be created both during construction and operation. Anglian Water is carrying out extensive land referencing, and the company’s approach is to seek to acquire land by negotiation, as far as possible. In support of this approach, the project has established a ‘Land Engagement Forum’, established in 2023 to complement the ongoing and direct engagement offered to all land and property owners.

Food and Rural Affairs, if the £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund announced on 19 May 2025 will be used to provide training to upskill the workforce.

We have launched the £360 million “Fishing & Coastal Growth Fund” to support the next generation of fishermen and breathe new life into our coastal communities. We will engage with the industry to target investment where it matters most. For example, considering investment in new technology and equipment to modernise our fishing fleet, delivering new training and skills to back the next generation of fishers, and promoting the seafood sector to export our high-quality produce across the world.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether the £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund announced on 19 May 2025 will be used to provide new (a) technology and (b) equipment to modernise the fleet.

We have launched the £360 million “Fishing & Coastal Growth Fund” to support the next generation of fishermen and breathe new life into our coastal communities. We will engage with the industry to target investment where it matters most. For example, considering investment in new technology and equipment to modernise our fishing fleet, delivering new training and skills to back the next generation of fishers, and promoting the seafood sector to export our high-quality produce across the world.

Food and Rural Affairs, when pet passports will be available for travel between the UK and EU.

We have agreed to establish a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Zone, which will mean taking pets on holiday into the EU will be easier and cheaper. Instead of getting an animal health certificate each time you travel, you will be able to get a multiuse pet passport valid for travel to the EU. It’s important that we get the right agreement for the UK, so we will provide more information on pet passports valid for travel to the EU in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK-US trade deal on the UK sugar beet farming industry.

On 8 May, the UK Government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. This delivers on the commitment by the Prime Minister and the President on 27 February to agree an economic deal in our respective national interests. The deal protects jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors - sectors that employ over 320,000 people across the UK. For the first time ever, this deal will also open up exclusive access for UK beef farmers to the US market. We are working closely with the ethanol industry and engaging all affected industries to understand and manage impacts. The deal does not specifically cover sugar.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 16 May 2025 to Question 42383 on Farms: Domestic Visits, if he will list the (a) farms and (b) food production premises visited by the Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs since 5 July 2024; and what dates those visits took place on.

Since the election, the Minister has visited farms and food producers across the country on a regular basis. Since the election, the Minister has visited 14 farms in various regions.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 43782 on Fisheries: South Atlantic Ocean, what the outcome was of his Department's consultations on the UN General Assembly Resolution on Sustainable Fisheries.

Relevant fisheries data are essential to inform assessment of stock health and sustainable management for fish stocks in the South West Atlantic. As set out in my response to previous PQs 43782, 43781, and 46104, Defra officials continue to raise the issue of data and management gaps in relevant international multi-lateral fisheries fora. Defra officials also work closely with the Falkland Islands Government to address these challenges. At the FAO Subcommittee on Fisheries Management, new text was secured highlighting data and information gaps in high seas fisheries outside the competence of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, and encouraging FAO members to collaborate to develop appropriate arrangements and management for these areas- see paragraphs 19 and 20 of the published report. These issues were also raised during the UNGA Sustainable Fisheries Resolution negotiations, where additional text was secured relating to the importance of filling these “relevant data gaps”- see paragraph 32 of the published report. Defra officials attending the Informal Consultations of the State Parties to the UN Fish Stocks Agreement at United Nations on the 14th May also raised the issue of gaps in RFMO coverage. The UK’s written contribution to this meeting is available here.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 43782 on Fisheries: South Atlantic Ocean, what steps his Department has taken with relevant parties to (a) assess and (b) improve the sustainability of relevant fish stocks since 5 July 2024.

Relevant fisheries data are essential to inform assessment of stock health and sustainable management for fish stocks in the South West Atlantic. As set out in my response to previous PQs 43782, 43781, and 46104, Defra officials continue to raise the issue of data and management gaps in relevant international multi-lateral fisheries fora. Defra officials also work closely with the Falkland Islands Government to address these challenges. At the FAO Subcommittee on Fisheries Management, new text was secured highlighting data and information gaps in high seas fisheries outside the competence of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, and encouraging FAO members to collaborate to develop appropriate arrangements and management for these areas- see paragraphs 19 and 20 of the published report. These issues were also raised during the UNGA Sustainable Fisheries Resolution negotiations, where additional text was secured relating to the importance of filling these “relevant data gaps”- see paragraph 32 of the published report. Defra officials attending the Informal Consultations of the State Parties to the UN Fish Stocks Agreement at United Nations on the 14th May also raised the issue of gaps in RFMO coverage. The UK’s written contribution to this meeting is available here.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 43782 on Fisheries: South Atlantic Ocean, what the outcome was of his Department's consultations with the Food and Agriculture Organisation Subcommittee on Fisheries Management on fishing stocks in the South Atlantic.

Relevant fisheries data are essential to inform assessment of stock health and sustainable management for fish stocks in the South West Atlantic. As set out in my response to previous PQs 43782, 43781, and 46104, Defra officials continue to raise the issue of data and management gaps in relevant international multi-lateral fisheries fora. Defra officials also work closely with the Falkland Islands Government to address these challenges. At the FAO Subcommittee on Fisheries Management, new text was secured highlighting data and information gaps in high seas fisheries outside the competence of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, and encouraging FAO members to collaborate to develop appropriate arrangements and management for these areas- see paragraphs 19 and 20 of the published report. These issues were also raised during the UNGA Sustainable Fisheries Resolution negotiations, where additional text was secured relating to the importance of filling these “relevant data gaps”- see paragraph 32 of the published report. Defra officials attending the Informal Consultations of the State Parties to the UN Fish Stocks Agreement at United Nations on the 14th May also raised the issue of gaps in RFMO coverage. The UK’s written contribution to this meeting is available here.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 46188 on the River Great Ouse, what was the outcome of the Environment Agency's inspection of the Ouse washes flood Storage reservoir banks.

The Middle Level Barrier Bank was last inspected in March 2025 and was found to be generally in good condition, with some minor defects including scour damage and vermin activity with repairs identified and planned for the coming years programme. The Cradge Bank was inspected throughout autumn and winter by Environment Agency staff, who identified scour from overtopping and wave erosion. Emergency repairs were completed in December 2024, with priority repairs planned for Summer 2025 and further repairs scheduled for 2026/27.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the condition of the hundred foot washes of the River Great Ouse.

The Ouse Washes are a crucial component of the long-term adaptive plan for flood infrastructure in the Fens. The 'Fens 2100+’ Programme is a £9.8 million initiative aimed at developing a comprehensive flood resilience investment strategy for the Fens, ensuring long-term value for money and generating both regional and national benefits. The Environment Agency (EA) is responsible for assessing the condition and adequacy of its infrastructure. A Reservoir Engineer conducts annual inspections of the Ouse Washes Flood Storage Reservoir banks. Additionally, EA teams annually assess the remaining banks following winter. EA teams perform regular maintenance to ensure the integrity of these assets. Recently, the EA completed a bank raising project on the Middle Level Barrier Bank, one of the reservoir’s embankments.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has held with the Food and Agriculture Organisation on fisheries data collection in the South Atlantic since 5 July 2025.

Since July 2024 Defra Officials have provided relevant input to the development of the Agenda for the FAO sub-committee on fisheries management, through our regional representative. Furthermore, as previously set out in the response to PQ 43781 and 43782, Defra officials raised this issue at the UN General Assembly in November 2024.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the carbon flux sequestration of peat lands in the Falkland Islands.

Defra is currently funding an R&D project to gather data on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon sequestration in peatlands in the Falkland Islands. This will deliver scientifically robust data to improve our understanding of Falkland peatland GHG emissions and reporting into the GHG Inventory. It will also establish accurate carbon sequestration rates for the peatlands, enabling a feasibility study for a carbon offsetting scheme with the long-term aim of financing peatland restoration.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many (a) phones, (b) laptops and (c) other electronic devices have been lost by their Department since 5 July 2024.

The following table includes the number of lost department-issued devices by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs since 5 July 2024. Breakdown of department-issued equipment typeNumber of lost itemsMobile phones51 Laptops 8Ipads5 Please see below further information relating to lost/stolen devices. To note these figures are provided by Calander year. Also to note, Defra only started separating out Lost/stolen out in 2023. PeriodPhone-LostPhone-StolenLaptop-LostLaptop-StoleniPad/Tablet-LostiPad/Tablet-StolenTotal-LostTotal-Stolen2025-30th April29552203672024581034147499282023966541051155172022106N/A37N/A5N/A148N/A We are continuing to take steps to reduce the number of instances of lost devices including reviewing our current processes and policies to ensure that devices are handled securely, recorded accurately and returned promptly when no longer required, whilst providing users with the right tools for their job.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a national campaign against littering on levels of littering.

This Government has not made an assessment of the potential impact of a national campaign against littering. I have been proud to support and endorse campaigns like the Great British Spring Clean. It is encouraging to see that there are a growing number of public-spirited individuals and community groups tackling litter all over the country. We will continue to use our influence to encourage as many people and business as possible to take part in such events. We are targeting some of the most commonly littered items to reduce the presence of these on our streets. The sale of single-use vapes will be banned from 1 June 2025 and a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will go live in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland in October 2027. The DRS will introduce a redeemable deposit on single-use in-scope drinks containers which can be redeemed when the empty container is returned. As these drinks containers make up an estimated 60% of all litter, we anticipate a visible reduction in litter upon its introduction.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 1 April 2025 to Question 41232 on Internal Drainage Boards: Cambridgeshire, from where is capital funding sourced to (a) repair and (b) replace pumping infrastructure.

Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) are Risk Management Authorities. Expenses are primarily funded by local beneficiaries through drainage rates, special levies on authorities, and contributions from the Environment Agency. Each IDB sets an annual budget for planned work and future investments, governed by Section 36 of the Land Drainage Act 1991. In addition, IDBs are eligible to bid for and receive allocations of FCRM Grant in Aid (GiA) funding for capital projects. The Environment Agency administer the allocation of Government GiA funding. There are more projects than funding available, therefore schemes are prioritised in accordance with government policy. IDBs have also been able to bid into the £91 million IDB Fund during 2024/25 for delivery by March 2026, which is funded by Defra. IDBs can also apply for loans via the Public Works Loan Board operated by the UK Debt Management Office.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the biological sustainability level of fish stocks in the South Atlantic.

Defra continues to seek progress on addressing fisheries data collection in the South Atlantic. This includes raising the matter in UN and FAO fora, such as consultations on the UN General Assembly Resolution on Sustainable Fisheries, and the FAO Subcommittee on Fisheries Management.  At the first FAO Subcommittee on Fisheries Management in January 2024, text was agreed urging the FAO to support members to enhance cooperation, strengthen data collection and improve regional fisheries management to tackle data gaps in high seas fisheries. Achieving sustainably managed fisheries is our focus when highlighting these issues in international fora. Defra will continue to work with all relevant parties with the aim of assessing and improving the sustainability of relevant stocks. Regarding the status of relevant fish stocks, I refer the Hon. Member to the reply previously given on 01 April to PQ 41239. I also refer the hon. Member to the reply previously given the hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills, Wendy Morton, on 25 March, PQ 35284.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he has taken with (a) the United Nations and (b) the Food and Agriculture Organisation to help tackle gaps in fisheries data collection in the South Atlantic.

Defra continues to seek progress on addressing fisheries data collection in the South Atlantic. This includes raising the matter in UN and FAO fora, such as consultations on the UN General Assembly Resolution on Sustainable Fisheries, and the FAO Subcommittee on Fisheries Management.  At the first FAO Subcommittee on Fisheries Management in January 2024, text was agreed urging the FAO to support members to enhance cooperation, strengthen data collection and improve regional fisheries management to tackle data gaps in high seas fisheries. Achieving sustainably managed fisheries is our focus when highlighting these issues in international fora. Defra will continue to work with all relevant parties with the aim of assessing and improving the sustainability of relevant stocks. Regarding the status of relevant fish stocks, I refer the Hon. Member to the reply previously given on 01 April to PQ 41239. I also refer the hon. Member to the reply previously given the hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills, Wendy Morton, on 25 March, PQ 35284.

Food and Rural Affairs, what his Department's timetable is for publishing the Fens 2100+ plan.

The Environment Agency is leading the Fens 2100+ programme, working with farmers, land managers, water companies, internal drainage boards and other partners to develop a long-term plan for managing future flood risk in the Fens. It aims to publish its Case for Change document in autumn 2025. This is in line its measure in the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England (2020) and will set out a strategic case for continued and enhanced investment in flood risk management to ensure we have a vibrant and sustainable future Fens.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many agri-tech businesses the Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs has visited since his appointment.

Since July 2024, the Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs has maintained a regular programme of visits and business engagement, including most recently meeting five agri-tech businesses showcasing their new technology solutions during a visit to Harper Adams University and the UK Agri-Tech Centre in March 2025. It is common for the Minister to interact with multiple businesses during engagement and visit opportunities.