The Secretary of State was asked—

Asked about the Government's food strategy and its ambition in light of food security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Defended the Government's food strategy, emphasising the maintenance of current levels of domestic food production and support for farmers to improve productivity. She also addressed concerns about egg shortages due to avian influenza.

Asked about the Government's response to poultry farmers affected by avian influenza, expressing concern over supermarket rationing of eggs and potential turkey supply issues ahead of Christmas.

Invited the Secretary of State to visit a farm in his constituency that uses regenerative techniques to produce high-quality food sustainably.

Critiqued the Government's plan to reduce basic payments to farmers, suggesting it may harm their ability to continue farming while also requesting a meeting with Baroness Rock regarding her tenant review.

Discussed vulnerabilities in food production due to animal diseases and questioned the Secretary of State's preparedness for another disease outbreak, referencing criticism from the Public Accounts Committee on the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s management.

Questioned the impact of trade deals, particularly the Australian deal, on food production and criticised former Secretaries of State for their handling of such issues.

Called for Ofwat to publish plans to strengthen competition in the water industry and reduce regulatory burdens.

Responded to questions about the regulation of water companies, flood management funding, and nature-based solutions for protecting communities from flooding.

Inquired about preparations to support communities impacted by potential winter 2022-23 flooding, specifically in her constituency regarding the River Wyre catchment area.

Asked about the potential effect of a reduction in the Environment Agency’s budget on its enforcement work, expressing concern over delays in resolving complaints from residents near an illegal pig farm.

Expressed concerns about illegal waste dumping affecting residents and an area of outstanding natural beauty. Requested a meeting to discuss swift action by the Environment Agency.

Critiqued the reduction in the agency’s environmental protection budget from £170 million in 2009-10 to £76 million in 2019-20, highlighting low morale among staff and high vacancy rates.

Asked about the potential impact of sewage spillages on coastal businesses and criticised the cuts to the Environment Agency budget as a mistake.

Highlighted the importance of moderate language in managing issues related to environmental incidents, such as soil erosion being mistaken for sewage discharge.

Asked about discussions with Natural England regarding its efficiency and effectiveness, and criticised delays in responding to planning applications due to insufficient information.

Inquired about the role of Natural England in nature-based solutions for tackling climate change.

Asked for an assessment of implications for policies due to failing statutory deadlines on air, water quality and biodiversity.

I welcome the Secretary of State to her post but point out that the crisis of raw sewage turning England into an open sewer can be traced back to her time as an Environment Minister. I ask for details on when she held a roundtable with water bosses and what the outcome was, and criticise her lack of action despite previous Ministers addressing this issue from day one in office.

I inquire about steps being taken to support fishing communities, highlighting my role chairing Renaissance of the East Anglian Fisheries and drawing attention to recent policy labs engaging with local fishermen. I seek confirmation that the management plan aligns with the trade and co-operation agreement.

I discuss concerns raised by Carshalton and Wallington residents about an incinerator’s capacity increase, urging my right hon. Friend to agree that local residents should participate in the Environment Agency consultation to express their opposition.

Since the Boxing Day floods in 2015, my constituents have lived in fear of further flooding. The works are now delayed until 2026, with a nearby flood basin project exacerbating the issue by increasing water volume in the river. I request that the new Secretary of State visit Bolton South East to see for herself and speak to residents.

The packaging industry is ready to contribute to a world-class recycling system through extended producer responsibility, deposit return scheme, and consistent household collections. Given that businesses are expected to start recording complex packaging data from January 2024, I ask when the responses to these schemes will be available.

Under the previous Prime Minister, there were plans to re-categorise land for blocking development, including solar power. I ask if this is still the Government’s intention and express concern about the impact on renewable energy projects.

I request a meeting with the Under-Secretary of State to discuss our campaign for inland bathing water accreditation, specifically regarding the River Nidd in Knaresborough and the process involved.

Congratulated the hon. Friend for their campaign, encouraging more applicants for bathing water status and discussing it with him.

Expressed concern about missed environmental targets and asked for a clear date on publishing those targets and taking action to save nature.

Reassured the hon. Member that they remain committed to publishing environmental targets, stating their commitment to delivering outcomes in the 25-year environment plan.

Raised concerns about proposals for large solar farms and requested clarity on policy from the Secretary of State.

Acknowledged planning policy is a matter for other Departments but assured that officials are working closely to ensure balance between food production and energy security.

Asked the Secretary of State to guarantee statutory deadlines will be published before COP15, highlighting concerns about missed targets.

Acknowledged concern over secondary legislation and assured Members that they are working at pace to get environmental targets in place as quickly as possible.

Asked for the fisheries Minister to confirm when an independent panel investigating mass shellfish mortality will be established and report findings.

Confirmed plans to set up a rapid inquiry as soon as possible, aiming to identify the true facts rapidly from available evidence.

Criticised the impact of Brexit on UK firms and Scottish exports, highlighting the cost to households and additional checks for meat exports.

Challenged the hon. Lady's negative stance on Brexit, stating that they are embracing opportunities in trade deals and promoting British products around the world.

Welcomed the Secretary of State to her place and requested for a quick conclusion of investigations into Walleys Quarry odour issues.

Confirmed that the EA is continuing to work closely with the operator to regulate and ensure all recommended measures are implemented effectively.