Written questions by Hughes.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he has taken to improve biodiversity.

Improving biodiversity is crucial and we have a set of statutory nature targets, which we will deliver through a range of mechanisms, all underpinned by the £7 billion nature budget. We have recently had the landmark moment for conservation when we enabled the wild reintroduction of beavers in a managed way. The upcoming Environmental Improvement Plan will set out key priorities to enhance the natural environment.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Welsh government on the cessation of the sale of horticultural peat.

The Secretary of State discussed this matter with Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, at the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on 23 June.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he has taken to help protect communities vulnerable to flooding.

This Government knows and understands how devastating the impact of flooding is to communities and so we are committed to protecting homes and businesses around the country. Just this week, we announced the largest flooding programme in history. As part of our landmark Infrastructure Strategy, we have committed a record £7.9 billion over ten years to protect hundreds of thousands of homes, small businesses, and vital infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding.