Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions on supporting family farms in Wales are needed due to economic and landscape importance.
What discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting family farms in Wales?
Family farms play a crucial role in the economy, landscape, and language of Wales. Regular discussions occur with Ministers in Westminster and the Welsh Government about support for family farms. The Minister also regularly speaks to farmers and farming unions.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on discussions with Cabinet colleagues
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
International conflict risks increasing food and fuel prices, threatening UK food resilience.
Instead of reviews and platitudes, action is needed to protect farmers and UK food resilience. Will the Minister scrap the damaging family farm tax?
The Labour Government is committed to supporting farms across the country. The new president of NFU Cymru was recently visited, and family farms will be protected. The Government is a listening Government, striking a balance between supporting farms and fixing public finances.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to action on the family farm tax
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Welsh Affairs Committee report calls for further work on inheritance tax reforms' impacts on Welsh family farms.
Does the Minister agree that the Chancellor's changes to the threshold for agricultural property relief and business property relief show that the Labour Government is listening to Welsh farmers?
The Government listened to farmers and made necessary changes to protect them and fix public finances, which were damaged by the Conservative party. The Minister commends the Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee for dedication.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specifically agree or disagree with the Chancellor's changes
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Welsh sheep farmers are concerned about accessing Australian and New Zealand sheep shearers due to animal welfare issues.
Will the Minister listen to Welsh sheep farmers who are concerned about accessing shearers and ensure they can come in for the shearing season?
The Minister regularly listens to farmers and speaks to farming unions. Important trade deals are being made to support farmers. The Government is repairing the reputation on the world stage after it was damaged by the Conservative party.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to action on shearers' access
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Pembrokeshire farmers need support in sanitary and phytosanitary negotiations for realignment with the EU.
How is the Minister working with the Welsh Labour Government to ensure maximum benefit for Pembrokeshire farmers from realignment with the EU?
The Government is negotiating an agreement with the EU, the closest partner and biggest market. The Minister is slashing red tape and cutting costs for businesses in collaboration with the Welsh Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on negotiations
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
More than 400 farming businesses closed in Wales in 2025, highlighting the importance of farming to the Welsh economy.
When did the Wales Office last make representations to the Cabinet about Welsh farmers, and what actions has the Minister taken to support farming in Wales?
The Labour Government has provided £337 million of support to farmers in Wales. The Minister notes that the Welsh Conservatives voted against this support and introduced a motion to scrap the sustainable farming scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide details on representations or specific actions
Response accuracy