Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the rising cost of fertiliser due to global market volatility and production constraints.
What steps she is taking to help support farmers with the cost of fertiliser. North West Norfolk is home to a leading UK producer of liquid fertilisers, whose production depends on urea ammonium nitrate. With no domestic supply and conflict in the Middle East constraining global markets, the United States is our primary reliable source. Will the Minister urge the Department for Business and Trade to suspend the 6% import tariff on US origin UAN in order to protect farmers and food prices?
May I point out that UK production of fertiliser using those processes was made reliant on America because the last Government decided to close the ammonia factory? In looking at resilience, the Chancellor has announced a business engagement exercise to consider whether targeting tariff cuts on fertiliser would be of assistance, so that is an ongoing issue.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for suspending import tariffs was not directly addressed with a clear commitment.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the volatility in the fertiliser market impacting farmers' costs.
Buckinghamshire farmers are hugely exposed to the global volatility in the fertiliser market, and many farmers in my constituency have faced increased costs of over 14%. Will the Minister update the House on what other efforts the Government will make to support the supply chains for farmers in Buckinghamshire so that they can be competitive and sustain domestic food production?
The Government are committed to ensuring that fertiliser markets work fairly for farmers and to strengthening resilience in the supply chain. We are ensuring that we can have a more reliable source of fertiliser and more efficient use in our own country, and we are doing a lot of work on this issue as I speak.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for efforts to support supply chains was not directly addressed with concrete actions or timelines.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of rising energy and fertiliser costs on food prices.
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I regularly hear from farmers in my constituency. The shadow Farming Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley and Ilkley (Robbie Moore), is today at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026, where he will no doubt hear about the challenges that farmers face as a direct result of this Government's damaging policies. Add to that soaring energy and fertiliser costs, and it is no wonder that food prices continue to rise under this Government. Will the Minister demonstrate that she understands the urgency of this issue for farmers and consumers and urge the Chancellor to follow the Conservative plan to scrap the fertiliser tax—the carbon border adjustment mechanism—so that we can keep food affordable and back British farmers?
I am in close contact with domestic fertiliser suppliers. I held a ministerial roundtable with them and industry leaders across food farming and the supply chain to hear about the pressures and confirm our readiness to act when required, so the hon. Lady can be assured that we will do that.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for scrapping the fertiliser tax was not directly addressed with a clear commitment.
Response accuracy