Every parliamentary written question tabled by Fleur Anderson this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–12 of 12 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that (a) the UK Forest Risk Commodities Regulations operate on a shared responsibility basis and (b) compliance costs are borne by downstream companies.
Awaiting answer.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to launch a consultation on phasing out the use of carbon dioxide to slaughter pigs.
As set out in this Government’s animal welfare strategy, Defra will consult on banning carbon dioxide gas stunning of pigs and on possible timescales for phasing out this method. Further details will be set out later this year.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of implementing the Fingleton Nuclear Regulatory Review on existing environmental protections.
Defra worked closely with DESNZ and other government departments to consider how to implement the recommendations of the Nuclear Regulatory Review, whilst taking account of our international obligations and our important environmental protections. Our approach to achieve this is set out in the implementation plan published on 13 March 2026. The implementation plan sets out how we can simplify regulations and processes for new nuclear projects whilst continuing to protect the environment.
Food and Rural Affairs, when her Department plans to publish its Circular Economy Growth Plan.
This Government is committed to transitioning towards a circular economy where resources are kept in use for longer and waste is designed out. This systemic change, with investment in green jobs and vital infrastructure, builds a path to economic growth, progress towards Net Zero, restoration of nature, and a more resilient economy. We intend to publish a Circular Economy Growth Plan that sets out how the Government will deliver a more circular and more prosperous economy. The Plan will set out the biggest opportunities to support growth in sectors right across the economy, including chemicals and plastics, as well as: agri-food; built environment; electrical and electronic equipment; textiles; and transport.
Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to help ensure that the Environmental Improvement Plan's commitment to implement fisheries byelaws for offshore marine protected areas by the end of 2026 will be met on time.
The Marine Management Organisation is following a four-stage process to consider necessary fisheries byelaws in our MPAs. Stages one and two are complete. A consultation on stage three which proposes further restrictions on bottom trawling in offshore MPAs closed on 29 September. The Marine Management Organisation is now carefully considering all responses received, and decisions will be made in due course. The stage four call for evidence has been completed, and any proposed byelaws will be subject to consultation in due course.
Food and Rural Affairs, what is her proposed timetable for publishing a decision on restricting bottom-towed fishing in 41 English marine protected areas as consulted on in 2025.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Ely and East Cambridgeshire on 13 November 2025, PQ 88509.
Food and Rural Affairs, what amount of bottom-towed fishing has taken place since June 2025 within each of the 41 English offshore marine protected areas subject to public consultation in summer 2025.
While the Marine Management Organisation can record data on gear type in MPAs as it did for the 41 English offshore marine protected areas consulted on in summer 2025, this takes significant time to compile and quality‑check.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has considered introducing a licensing system for gamebird shooting in England.
The Government recognises well-managed gamebird shooting can be an important part of a local rural economy, providing direct and indirect employment. It also appreciates that many people hold strong views on the issue of gamebird shooting and there is evidence to suggest a link between it and crimes against birds of prey. It is vital that wildlife and habitats are protected and that the law is respected by those involved in the activity. While Defra has not yet made any formal assessment of the potential merits of licensing gamebird shooting in England, it will continue to work to ensure a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between gamebird shooting and conservation.
Food and Rural Affairs, if she will convene an expert group of industry representatives, animal welfare organisations and other stakeholders to advise on developing a method of production labelling scheme.
As set out in the Government’s animal welfare strategy, the department is committed to ensuring that consumers have access to clear information on how their food was produced. To support this, Defra will continue working with relevant stakeholders, including the farming and food industry, scientists and NGOs to explore how improved animal welfare food labelling could provide greater consumer transparency, support farmers and promote better animal welfare. The Government will set out next steps in due course.
Food and Rural Affairs, what progress she has made on developing the proposals in the 2024 Fairer Food Labelling consultation.
As set out in the animal welfare strategy, the Government is committed to ensuring that consumers have access to clear information on how their food was produced. To support this, the department will continue working with relevant stakeholders, including the farming and food industry, scientists and NGOs to explore how improved animal welfare food labelling could provide greater consumer transparency, support farmers and promote better animal welfare. Defra will set out next steps in due course. The Government will continue to review origin labelling and aim to use the outcomes of the Fairer Food Labelling consultation as supporting evidence for future labelling policy.
Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with retailers and animal welfare organisations on introducing method of production labelling on domestic and imported animal products.
The Department engaged with a range of animal welfare stakeholders as part of the development of the animal welfare strategy, which was published in December 2025. As set out in the strategy, Defra is committed to ensuring that consumers have access to clear information on how their food was produced. To support this, we will continue working with relevant stakeholders, including the farming and food industry, scientists and NGOs to explore how improved animal welfare food labelling could provide greater consumer transparency, support farmers and promote better animal welfare.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of reports of animal welfare breaches at Cranswick farms on the appointment of Tim Smith to the Food Strategy Advisory Board.
Defra is committed to upholding high standards across the food system, including in relation to animal welfare. I was extremely concerned to see allegations and footage of animal welfare and environmental abuse at Cranswick farms. The film taken and shared by animal justice groups showed animal welfare treatment that was clearly unacceptable. As such, I met with Tim Smith, chairman of Cranswick plc, to discuss these matters. I was reassured that Cranswick has taken swift and comprehensive remedial action in response to these incidents, including implementation of recommendations in an independent review into animal welfare and husbandry practices led by a senior veterinarian. The Food Strategy Advisory Board is a small group of senior leaders who represent a wealth of experience and important elements within the food system and reflect the diversity of the sector. Members do not represent their business interests. Membership is kept under review.