Written questions by Timothy.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Extended Producer Responsibility fees being (a) illustrative and (b) not intended for business planning purposes on the ability of business to plan for these costs.

The four UK administrations have published three sets of illustrative base fees to help businesses prepare for the implementation of extended producer responsibility scheme for packaging. Thanks to regular engagement and input with a wide range of businesses for the first time we published the third set of illustrative fees showed point estimates as opposed to ranges, providing further certainty. Large producers are required to submit the next round of 2024 data by 1 April 2025 to ensure the fees are based on accurate data, following this and pending satisfactory regulatory checks, we intend to use these data to publish pEPR base fees by June 2025. PackUK will continue to monitor the expected base fees as more packaging data is submitted for 2024, and will release a new set of illustrative base fees before June if there are significant changes.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to designate thoroughbred horses as high health animals, in the context of the Border Target Operating Model.

A commitment to designating thoroughbred horses as high-health animals was made as part of the Border Target Operating model, and we have continued to develop that as part of our preparation to implement that border model.

Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to introduce new fisheries management measures in England’s Marine Protected Areas on (a) bottom trawling and (b) dredging.

It is essential to manage all forms of damaging fishing activity, including bottom trawling and dredging, in our Marine Protected Areas appropriately due to the significant damage it can have on protected seabed habitats. The department is considering next steps in the context of our domestic and international nature conservation obligations and how we support the fishing sector.

Food and Rural Affairs, what industrial disputes are ongoing within (a) their Department and (b) each of the arm’s length bodies connected to their Department; how many (i) staff and (ii) contractors are involved in each dispute; what the form of industrial action is in each dispute; which recognised trade union is involved in each dispute; what the substantive matter is that is being disputed in each case; and what steps he plans to take to end each dispute.

There are no current industrial disputes ongoing within Defra or it’s arm’s length bodies.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to decolonise the (a) artwork and (b) heritage assets in (i) his Department and (ii) each of its arm’s length bodies.

The department borrows art from the Government Art Collection and does not own artwork. As separate legal entities, the responsibility for creating policy and guidance for artwork sits with each individual arm’s length body, rather than with the department.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reform the current right to roam regime.

Our countryside and green spaces are a source of great national pride, but too many across the country are left without access to the great outdoors. That is why the last Labour Government expanded public access by introducing the Countryside and Rights o...

Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate his Department has made of UK carbon emissions from imports from (a) China and (b) the rest of the world in each year since 2010.

Information about the Carbon footprint for the UK is published here : Carbon footprint for the UK and England to 2021 - GOV.UK Data is available up to 2021. The total carbon footprint now includes the seven main Greenhouse Gases comprising: CO2, Methane (...

Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate his Department has made of UK carbon emissions by consumption in each year since 2010.

Information about the Carbon footprint for the UK is published here : Carbon footprint for the UK and England to 2021 - GOV.UK Data are available up to 2021. The total carbon footprint now includes the seven main Greenhouse Gases comprising: CO2, Methane ...

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to consult on the proposal in Wider Reform 1 to redefine multiple watercrafts and others as ‘bathers’.

Defra and the Welsh Government are currently running a six-week consultation on proposed reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations 2013, which closes on 23 December. In this consultation, we are calling for evidence on a wider reform for potential future d...

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he is taking steps to consult (a) angling clubs and (b) fishery owners on reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations 2013.

Defra and the Welsh Government are currently running a six-week consultation on proposed reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations 2013, which closes on 23 December. We encourage all interested parties to respond to the consultation. Both Defra Minsters an...

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has carried out an impact assessment for proposed changes to the Bathing Water Regulations 2013 on (a) fisheries, (b) fish spawning grounds, and (c) riparian rig

Defra and the Welsh Government are currently running a six-week consultation on proposed reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations 2013, which closes on 23 December. We have engaged with fishery stakeholders and encourage all interested parties to respond ...

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of closing the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme on UK farming, in the context of the continuation of the equivalent scheme in the EU.

The Government appreciates and values the vital work of the horticulture industry and recognises its role in maintaining a secure food supply. As part of our mission-driven Government, and in partnership with the sector, Defra is considering how we can ac...

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to (a) continue and (b) replace the Fruit and Vegetables Aid Scheme after 2025.

The Fruit and Vegetables Aid Scheme is an EU legacy scheme and legislation is in place which will close it on 31 December 2025. The Government has committed to championing British farming, while protecting the environment, and is currently considering the...