Speeches by Dyke.

“T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.”

“The availability of affordable housing in Somerset has plummeted, demand has surged and rents have risen by six times as much as income. These challenges are highlighted in rural market towns such as Glastonbury, where hundreds of people live in vans and caravans lining the kerbsides. Many are there because they cannot…”

“You mentioned the risk of offshoring. Do you accept that demand from UK horticulture is driving peat extraction in other countries? You mentioned Scotland and Northern Ireland, but there is also mainland Europe. Could you take into account the offshored carbon emissions that are accrued by demand in your calculations a…”

“This has obviously been going on for many years now, and there are a lot of businesses that I have spoken to that were in peat extraction, that are moving and have moved to peat-free. But there is a huge amount of frustration, is there not, as the legislation is not in place? We need to really start to embed that suppo…”

“This is going to be done through re-wetting rather than controlled burning, so it is a cultural change for moorland managers to be able to do that. How will DEFRA and the land use framework support the transition?”

“I totally agree. As far as I am concerned, peat belongs in the bogs rather than being burnt and ending up in bags, which moves me on to my next question around peat extraction for gardening and growing. As we know, this directly contributes to the decline of peatlands and there is a knock-on impact for the interlinked …”

“The land use framework is long-awaited and a great first step, but it is missing some of the implementation and delivery details, which we need to see urgently. It needs to be embedded in every aspect of spatial planning. I say that because Somerset council is currently developing its local plan, and the land use frame…”

“Peatland restoration is one of the goals that is set out in the various visions for the future contained with the land use framework. The Government want to restore 280,000 hectares of peatland by 2050. One of the ways DEFRA has sought to achieve this is through more restrictions on peat burning. This Committee raised …”

“My hon. Friend talks about appropriate lighting. I am a keen cyclist, as are lots of women in rural areas, and 59% of women who cycle say they are really worried about their journeys and have huge safety concerns as a result. Last October, Langport cycling club took part in a glow ride to raise awareness of the need fo…”

“T8. Criminal gangs are targeting isolated farmland and woodland, dumping lorry loads of illegal waste, which poses serious environmental risks. The Environment Agency reports that offenders are saving thousands of pounds in disposal costs while landowners face the financial responsibility of clearing the site. Will the…”

“My constituency contains the longest stretch of rail without a station anywhere in the country. In fact, there are only eight stations in Somerset. Langport and Somerton fall right in the middle of that isolated area, despite the Paddington to Taunton line running straight through the towns. A new station could boost a…”

“First, I would just like to say how lovely it is to be back at Harper Adams.”

“Yes. The other side of that would be: does the sector have the resources for the checks and advisory work that is going to follow? What are your feelings on that?”

“Matt, you wanted to come in.”

“Well, of course. It is very nice; it is a real joy to be back. You are talking a lot about preparing those students for the work environment. Is there any support once they are in the workplace? Veterinary practice does have a high suicide rate and rate of burnout in comparison with the general population. I was just w…”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“It was after I graduated.”

“That leads on to my next question. The strategy proposals rely on voluntary action from farmers, breeders and the industry. What kind of pressure is that going to lead to within the veterinary sector?”

“I think I read that.”

“Finally, the Government intend to work with vets to end certain farm practices, like pig tail docking, beak trimming of laying hens, and tail docking of lambs, for example, and improve that companion animal welfare. Again, going back to that engagement, what are the stepping stones to get us there, and what will it loo…”