0:00:07 > 0:00:11Hello there, good morning, welcome to BBC Parliament's live coverage
0:00:11 > 0:00:15from the House of Commons. In an hour, the Shadow Foreign Secretary
0:00:15 > 0:00:20Emily Thornbury has tabled an urgent question about President Trump's
0:00:20 > 0:00:26decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel pot capital and move the US
0:00:26 > 0:00:40embassy does -- Israel's capital. Move the US embassy from Tel Aviv.
0:00:40 > 0:00:47Remember to join me for a round-up of the day at 11 o'clock tonight,
0:00:47 > 0:00:52but first we have questions from the Environment Secretary Michael Gove
0:00:52 > 0:01:00and his ministerial team. Hopes for a happy and peaceful Christmas and
0:01:00 > 0:01:04prosperous New Year. We have some of the highest animal welfare standards
0:01:04 > 0:01:10in the world and we in this Government are making CCTV mad Tory
0:01:10 > 0:01:17in slaughterhouses, increasing the maximum sentences for animal cruelty
0:01:17 > 0:01:30to five years, banning the ivory trade.The Secretary of State has
0:01:30 > 0:01:38done more in months for animals than in many years previously. We all owe
0:01:38 > 0:01:44him a debt of gratitude for that. As we leave the EU next year and the
0:01:44 > 0:01:47customs union and the singles market, we will make preparations
0:01:47 > 0:01:54now to ensure that issues such as banning live animal imports and
0:01:54 > 0:02:01import will be achieved.My honourable friend has been a
0:02:01 > 0:02:09passionate supporter and campaigner through the entire career. There are
0:02:09 > 0:02:19steps to be made to perhaps ban exports. It needs be consistent with
0:02:19 > 0:02:27our broader objectives as we leave the EU.Can I ask the Secretary of
0:02:27 > 0:02:31State whether we are in the U or outside the Eucharist McCann he look
0:02:31 > 0:02:36at the importance of labelling so that people know what they are
0:02:36 > 0:02:42buying.When it says a chicken has been reared outside, we actually
0:02:42 > 0:02:46know what has happened.The honourable gentleman is absolutely
0:02:46 > 0:02:52right. There is confusion and uncertainty in the minds of some
0:02:52 > 0:02:59consumers. There are schemes already which our farmer led and ensure that
0:02:59 > 0:03:03people know that animals have been kept to the highest animal welfare
0:03:03 > 0:03:09standards and I look forward to working with him to do so.As we
0:03:09 > 0:03:15prepare to leave the EU, it is vital that we use Brexit to enhance the
0:03:15 > 0:03:21standards. Will you assure me that the Government will enhance our
0:03:21 > 0:03:24welfare laws as we leave, including in areas where we are blocked from
0:03:24 > 0:03:29doing so by single market?My honourable friend makes an acute
0:03:29 > 0:03:32point, it is in the nature of single market rules under in European union
0:03:32 > 0:03:36that there are some animal husbandry practices that we would not tolerate
0:03:36 > 0:03:42in this country, but do apply to things that we would import. We do
0:03:42 > 0:03:45need to look to see how we can improve animal welfare standards all
0:03:45 > 0:03:52round.Could you set out the discussions you have had any with
0:03:52 > 0:04:04the Welsh Government? Let me commend the Welsh Labour minister who is
0:04:04 > 0:04:06responsible for these areas in the Welsh assembly Government for the
0:04:06 > 0:04:11constructive ways in which he has engaged over because of the last six
0:04:11 > 0:04:15months and I hope to see her next week to carry on discussions in this
0:04:15 > 0:04:23and other areas.I very much welcome the higher standards on welfare,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26slaughterhouse cameras and tougher sentencing, but a point I would like
0:04:26 > 0:04:32to make to the Secretary of State, as we enhance our welfare, we must
0:04:32 > 0:04:37also add cost to production. We must make sure that a high-quality
0:04:37 > 0:04:41product is eating by our consumers and we are not in importing meat
0:04:41 > 0:04:46with less good welfare standards. That is an excellent point. I know
0:04:46 > 0:04:50the secretary is conducting an enquiry at the moment on the impact
0:04:50 > 0:04:57of leaving the European Union on food standards and what is important
0:04:57 > 0:04:59there is the viability and productivity of farmers who do such
0:04:59 > 0:05:06a wonderful job.Thank you for your response. Bearing in mind that the
0:05:06 > 0:05:10Northern Ireland assembly has passed more stringent and what royalty
0:05:10 > 0:05:14legislation than the UK mainland, can you discuss what discussions you
0:05:14 > 0:05:21have had with the Irish Government about that?There are many ways in
0:05:21 > 0:05:25which Northern Ireland sets higher standards than we do in the rest of
0:05:25 > 0:05:28the UK, I hope to be able to learn a great deal from every part of the
0:05:28 > 0:05:31United Kingdom, not least the cherished governance which I love so
0:05:31 > 0:05:47much. -- cherished province. Only last night, I was talking with the
0:05:47 > 0:05:52Secretary of State to make sure that we meet the promotion of British
0:05:52 > 0:06:00food.I recently hosted a visit of the Nigerian Minister of agriculture
0:06:00 > 0:06:06to the UK. Does the Secretary of State except that the UK is leading
0:06:06 > 0:06:15in innovation and we have a lot to offer Nigeria?Yes. You have done a
0:06:15 > 0:06:19fantastic job as trade envoy to one of the fastest-growing economies in
0:06:19 > 0:06:24the world, we can do much together, it proving the transport between the
0:06:24 > 0:06:35two countries.Surely you realise that food farming sector is
0:06:35 > 0:06:40terrified about the impact of leaving the European Union? The fact
0:06:40 > 0:06:44that there has been no impact assessment by him or his department
0:06:44 > 0:06:49on what will happen to farming and food in this country is a
0:06:49 > 0:06:58disgraceful salt would you agree with that?No.Will the Secretary of
0:06:58 > 0:07:03State impress that it is not just good but also services and join me
0:07:03 > 0:07:10in congratulating the British horse Society on it 70th year, being
0:07:10 > 0:07:13invited to add an accreditation system to riding systems in China.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Yes. My right honourable friend who did a fantastic job when she was
0:07:17 > 0:07:30Secretary of State was le Roux right. No one else has such an
0:07:30 > 0:07:37equestrian history.Is there anyone other than the Secretary of State
0:07:37 > 0:07:45who thinks that free-trade deal with Trump's America would be good for
0:07:45 > 0:07:59farming and the food chain?Yes.As everyone in this house will know,
0:07:59 > 0:08:05the secretary will know very clearly that Scotland has one of the largest
0:08:05 > 0:08:16protected food types like Scotch beef and salmon. There has been
0:08:16 > 0:08:23nothing more spoken of there.Can I think the honourable gentleman who
0:08:23 > 0:08:27has been a passionate advocate for Scottish industry in his role and
0:08:27 > 0:08:31yes it is the case that we want to make sure the geographical
0:08:31 > 0:08:36indicators and schemes ensure that high-quality foods from all parts of
0:08:36 > 0:08:39the United Kingdom recognised within Europe and across the world. I want
0:08:39 > 0:08:44to make sure that appropriate schemes exist in the future as well
0:08:44 > 0:08:53as ensuring that the markets that we care so much about our protected.Mr
0:08:53 > 0:08:56Speaker, there are some concerns about the impact of trawling on
0:08:56 > 0:09:04certain species, in particular cod. I asked people to review this, their
0:09:04 > 0:09:09preliminary advice is that while the impact on the sea bed is lower than
0:09:09 > 0:09:12traditional trawling, there are some detrimental effects on species like
0:09:12 > 0:09:16cod. Once that work has been treated, we will decide what to do
0:09:16 > 0:09:23next.I give that reply. He will be aware the concerns and south-east
0:09:23 > 0:09:30England on the impact of Dutch electric cost fishing on the stocks
0:09:30 > 0:09:34that move across national boundaries and consequently share. We have a
0:09:34 > 0:09:39voice at the table at the moment, we can influence alongside other more
0:09:39 > 0:09:41conservation minded European countries, policies such as pulse
0:09:41 > 0:09:49fishing. How can we exert such an influence if we leave the European
0:09:49 > 0:09:54Union?Yes. Pulse trawling is predominantly carried out by Dutch
0:09:54 > 0:09:58vessels, around 84. A predominantly fish in UK waters to catch those
0:09:58 > 0:10:03species. The answer to that question is leaving the European Union, we
0:10:03 > 0:10:07will decide the terms of access and that will give us the clarity and
0:10:07 > 0:10:11ability to ban certain approaches if we wanted to.The European Union are
0:10:11 > 0:10:17currently proposing Draconian measures on our sea anglers.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21Stopping recreational fishing for half a year. Ridiculous proposals
0:10:21 > 0:10:26that should be resisted. Will he stand up for a recreational sea
0:10:26 > 0:10:33anglers?The situation with Bass is precarious and that is why I and the
0:10:33 > 0:10:38UK Government press for an emergency measures three years ago. It is
0:10:38 > 0:10:41important for the current advice to be benchmarked to take account of
0:10:41 > 0:10:44measures that have been brought in and we will argue for more
0:10:44 > 0:10:55proportional packages.
0:10:56 > 0:11:02The key drivers of food price changes are exchange rates, whether
0:11:02 > 0:11:08-- oil prices. This affects everybody in the world. We assessed
0:11:08 > 0:11:13the impact of leaving the yuan retail food prices to be marginal.
0:11:13 > 0:11:25-- of leaving the EU to be...New data shows that food prices last
0:11:25 > 0:11:33month were over by 4.2% from 12 months earlier. Constituents in
0:11:33 > 0:11:35Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough will be feeling that
0:11:35 > 0:11:39this Christmas. Can the Minister confirm that analysis has been done
0:11:39 > 0:11:44of the food prices and that it is not one, it is just in his
0:11:44 > 0:11:48imagination and if he has published one, can he tell us when it will
0:11:48 > 0:11:56actually be out in the public domain?In the 18 month leading up
0:11:56 > 0:12:00to the referendum, food prices fell by 7%, they subsequently have gone
0:12:00 > 0:12:07up by 4%. I -- these changes are fairly typical on food prices and
0:12:07 > 0:12:10the reality is that whether you are inside or outside the EU, those key
0:12:10 > 0:12:16drivers of food prices, weather events, oil prices, remain the same.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25What discussions has he held with the Department and to the trade over
0:12:25 > 0:12:37assessing current non-EU tariff barriers on pig exports?I am aware
0:12:37 > 0:12:40this is important in her constituency in the UK has a close
0:12:40 > 0:12:46relationship with Denmark, Danish crown in, chill up our major
0:12:46 > 0:12:49investors. Since the decision to leave, they have increased their
0:12:49 > 0:12:55investment with the acquisition of new businesses recently, so we are
0:12:55 > 0:13:01in discussions. We have a strong and vibrant pig sector.The Minister
0:13:01 > 0:13:05said Brexit will not have much impact on prices, I suggest he
0:13:05 > 0:13:09speaks to his former Conservative colleague, Laura Sandys, who heads
0:13:09 > 0:13:13the food foundation, who has said Brexit could mean an increase in
0:13:13 > 0:13:17£150 a year in what the average family spends on fruit and veg. Will
0:13:17 > 0:13:22he make sure in the agricultural bill, the horticultural sector,
0:13:22 > 0:13:28which has been neglected, gets the priority it deserves?I studied
0:13:28 > 0:13:30horticulture and worked in the horticultural industry for ten
0:13:30 > 0:13:35years, and there is an opportunity as we design a new agriculture
0:13:35 > 0:13:39policy to support innovation in all sectors, including horticulture.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44What about the price of animals for a live export? Any prospect of
0:13:44 > 0:13:52banning that grisly trade altogether?As the Secretary of
0:13:52 > 0:13:56State pointed out earlier, once we leave the European Union, banning
0:13:56 > 0:14:00the export of live animals certainly becomes a possibility and we have a
0:14:00 > 0:14:09manifesto commitment to restrict uncontrolled further.The UK now has
0:14:09 > 0:14:14the second-highest rate of food and security in Europe. In October, food
0:14:14 > 0:14:19and drink prices increased faster than it any other point over the
0:14:19 > 0:14:24last four years, and latest figures show a 13% increase on last year in
0:14:24 > 0:14:29the number of emergency food parcels issues. -- issued. How are they
0:14:29 > 0:14:34going to address this shameful increase in hunger and food poverty
0:14:34 > 0:14:39across the country on this government's watch?The key
0:14:39 > 0:14:43benchmark we have studied for many years, governments of all colours,
0:14:43 > 0:14:49is the living cost of food survey, and we know that over the last 15 to
0:14:49 > 0:14:5220 years, the spending of the produce 20% of households on food
0:14:52 > 0:14:59has remained constant at around 16.5%.With all due respect I do not
0:14:59 > 0:15:04think that answered my question. Yesterday the Secretary of State for
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Brexit admitted there has been no proper assessment done by ministers
0:15:07 > 0:15:13on the impact of Brexit on any UK economic sector. Food prices are
0:15:13 > 0:15:21rising, SWAT assessments has DEFRA made on the impact on food prices?
0:15:21 > 0:15:26-- so, what assessment has DEFRA made?The impact is marginal,
0:15:26 > 0:15:30economists sometimes make the mistake of not taking into account
0:15:30 > 0:15:35that we have quotas, which means we have a high degree of tariff free
0:15:35 > 0:15:39trade, but also the commodity price represents only a small part of the
0:15:39 > 0:15:48overall value of the shopping basket.Veterinarians play a vital
0:15:48 > 0:15:58role in public health, and animal welfare. Only 1% are supplied by
0:15:58 > 0:16:03vets from outside the UK, we cherish their work and make sure -- want to
0:16:03 > 0:16:07make sure they still make an important contribution.Britain
0:16:07 > 0:16:13leads the world in food hygiene and animal welfare, but that is at risk,
0:16:13 > 0:16:17given that the British veterinary Association reckons that 95% of the
0:16:17 > 0:16:23vets in abattoirs are from the EU, and many of them are leaving. Will
0:16:23 > 0:16:28Hughes release the impact assessment that I am certain he will have
0:16:28 > 0:16:32carried out, and tell us what action he has taken to protect the meat
0:16:32 > 0:16:35industry, animal welfare and food safety from this clear and imminent
0:16:35 > 0:16:43threat?I am grateful for raising this. More than 90% of vets in
0:16:43 > 0:16:48abattoirs come from the EU 27 countries, and it is the case that
0:16:48 > 0:16:51my department have been talking to representatives of the profession to
0:16:51 > 0:16:56ensure those who do such a wonderful job continue to feel valued and play
0:16:56 > 0:16:59the important role that they do in ensuring the public of their high
0:16:59 > 0:17:08standards of food hygiene.Would he agree that the slaughtering of
0:17:08 > 0:17:12animals that takes place in UK abattoirs overseen by vets, will he
0:17:12 > 0:17:16take steps to ensure that the cruel trade of live animal exports is
0:17:16 > 0:17:21ended when we leave the European Union?Can I commend him for his
0:17:21 > 0:17:24campaigning on this issue, and as we leave the European Union there are
0:17:24 > 0:17:28opportunities as he points out, to review and change the approach we
0:17:28 > 0:17:36take towards live exports and ensure higher standards of animal welfare.
0:17:36 > 0:17:42The common agricultural policy has been a bureaucratic quagmire which
0:17:42 > 0:17:45is undermined us Anfield iron environment. Leaving the EU allows
0:17:45 > 0:17:49us to bring clarity and purpose to agriculture policy for the first
0:17:49 > 0:17:55time in 45 years. We are committed to introducing the agriculture bill
0:17:55 > 0:17:58in this session and outlining further plans next year.I am
0:17:58 > 0:18:04grateful. Many farmers in my constituency in Essex supported
0:18:04 > 0:18:08Brexit, but some did not. What reassurances can he give them that
0:18:08 > 0:18:14the government is ensuring emerging food markets are open to them after
0:18:14 > 0:18:19Brexit?We will be working with colleagues in the Department friend
0:18:19 > 0:18:23and I will trade to open new markets. There are opportunities
0:18:23 > 0:18:26particularly in sectors such as dairy farming. We have also been
0:18:26 > 0:18:30very clear we are going to maintain the budget on agriculture for this
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Parliament, that is a manifesto commitment, and we have also been
0:18:33 > 0:18:38clear that we will have a smooth transition from the policy we have
0:18:38 > 0:18:46led to the new policy.Have you seen the report on Wednesday from the
0:18:46 > 0:18:50farmers union of Wales that says denying Wales access to the single
0:18:50 > 0:18:56market and Customs union would have catastrophic consequences on farming
0:18:56 > 0:19:00in to comment?I need very regularly with members for the farmers union
0:19:00 > 0:19:04for Wales, and we absolutely recognise the importance of tariff
0:19:04 > 0:19:08free trade with the European Union, which is why the government has a
0:19:08 > 0:19:10clear position that we want a comprehensive and ambitious
0:19:10 > 0:19:19free-trade agreement.I met with the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for the
0:19:19 > 0:19:31rural economy and connectivity... Funding was one of a number of
0:19:31 > 0:19:36issues discussed. I look forward to seeing the Scottish Cabinet
0:19:36 > 0:19:38Secretary next Thursday, and also thank you to the intercession for
0:19:38 > 0:19:44the Member for Gordon, I am looking forward to meeting representatives
0:19:44 > 0:19:48from the National farmers union of Scotland as well.In September, key
0:19:48 > 0:19:55farming organisations including the National Farmers Union Scotland
0:19:55 > 0:20:04wrote to you, but they have not responded. Can you commit made to
0:20:04 > 0:20:13giving the farmers the 650 million they are rightly due?I understand
0:20:13 > 0:20:16the issue of convergence uplifting is right for the assessment, and I
0:20:16 > 0:20:22have discussed the issue with the Scottish Cabinet Secretary and the
0:20:22 > 0:20:24farming union representatives, and this issue will be raised when we
0:20:24 > 0:20:36meet next week.Thank you. I will group questions eight and 12. The
0:20:36 > 0:20:40resilience of flood defences as good. In October the Environment
0:20:40 > 0:20:47Agency's assessment showed over 95% were at or above the target
0:20:47 > 0:20:51condition, and in Cumbria it was 97.5%. We have prepared the flood
0:20:51 > 0:20:57defences that were damaged in the winter of 2015. There is more to do
0:20:57 > 0:21:01across Cumbria, so we have allocated £50 million extra for flood risk
0:21:01 > 0:21:10management schemes.I'm grateful for that response. But £800,000 was
0:21:10 > 0:21:15pledged for my community in Braithwaite, which was devastated
0:21:15 > 0:21:21with storm Desmond. Two years on, can she confirmed when the work will
0:21:21 > 0:21:26be completed for the village?She is right to raise the issue of this
0:21:26 > 0:21:31village. I am aware that the short listing of options is due to be
0:21:31 > 0:21:35completed next month with a target date for the end of 2019. I will
0:21:35 > 0:21:38meet her and her colleagues from Cumbria next week and we can discuss
0:21:38 > 0:21:45the details further.Hard flood defences like the Foss barrier are
0:21:45 > 0:21:52vital for cities like York. It is essential that the strategy is
0:21:52 > 0:21:55equally protect smaller communities. Can she assure me that community
0:21:55 > 0:22:00south of York will not be forgotten about as progress continues to
0:22:00 > 0:22:05develop flood management schemes?I can give that assurance. The
0:22:05 > 0:22:10long-term plan will use a catchment approach to flood risk management,
0:22:10 > 0:22:14including upper catchment management changes, which is a key component of
0:22:14 > 0:22:18reducing the risk to York and other communities downstream, but I can
0:22:18 > 0:22:22assure him the modelling by the Environment Agency, and ensures hard
0:22:22 > 0:22:27flood defences will not impact on the communities to which he refers.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32It is two years since the floods hit York, but last week my residents
0:22:32 > 0:22:36heard the barriers will be further delayed and they will not have
0:22:36 > 0:22:41protection until at least 2019. What will the Minister do to ensure the
0:22:41 > 0:22:45programme is speeded up and that the residents in York will be protected
0:22:45 > 0:22:54meanwhile?Since the flooding, when 600 properties were flooded, we have
0:22:54 > 0:22:57invested £70 million to upgrade the Foss barrier, including eight high
0:22:57 > 0:23:04volume pumps and we have developed a five-year plan investing 45 million
0:23:04 > 0:23:12in new defences, protecting 2000 properties.Following the storms and
0:23:12 > 0:23:162015 the government made welcome direct payments to residents
0:23:16 > 0:23:20devastated by flooding. Following the floods last month, the
0:23:20 > 0:23:22government told Lancaster City Council that this flooding is not
0:23:22 > 0:23:27severe enough to offer the same assistance, despite 143 homes being
0:23:27 > 0:23:32vacated due to flood damage. Will the Minister meet representations to
0:23:32 > 0:23:38urge the secretary of the DLC to make money available for flood
0:23:38 > 0:23:45resilience work across the country? As I indicated, the overall level of
0:23:45 > 0:23:49sludge is a clearance cash flood defence resilience is good,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52including Lancashire. I am concerned about the people who suffered the
0:23:52 > 0:23:57shock flooding the other week. I will meet affected MPs and I know my
0:23:57 > 0:24:05honourable friend is seeing me next week to discuss this matter.The
0:24:05 > 0:24:10Member for Northamptonshire South put in place a major programme of
0:24:10 > 0:24:13work to prepare as for the UK's departure from the European Union
0:24:13 > 0:24:18planning for a number of scenarios, and we keep the effectiveness of
0:24:18 > 0:24:26this work under continual review, and it is led by members to whom I
0:24:26 > 0:24:31pay tribute.EU rules have prevented us from improving standards of
0:24:31 > 0:24:38animal welfare. Can he assure me that he is now doing the detailed
0:24:38 > 0:24:42work, poor preparation, so that on day one of freedom, he is ready to
0:24:42 > 0:24:47take action, for instance to ban the trade of the export of live animals.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51He makes an excellent point, and the work is being undertaken no, not
0:24:51 > 0:24:54just in the area he rightly alludes to, but other areas of animal
0:24:54 > 0:25:03welfare as well.By next summer the UK chemical industry will have spent
0:25:03 > 0:25:05£250 million registering their chemicals. They are united in
0:25:05 > 0:25:12wanting to remain in reach and to avoid EU tariffs of between four and
0:25:12 > 0:25:176% on their goods. So, why is the Secretary of State proposing to
0:25:17 > 0:25:20double their regulatory burden by setting up a new agency here, and
0:25:20 > 0:25:27why has he played politics with our second largest manufacturing sector?
0:25:27 > 0:25:32She has been a consistent champion of the work being done, and the
0:25:32 > 0:25:36world leading. We are seeking to ensure we combine that a regulatory
0:25:36 > 0:25:40framework to ensure we can continue to do good work.I think the
0:25:40 > 0:25:43honourable gentleman is no conscious, and he has a question on
0:25:43 > 0:25:51the paper which is not entirely an adjacent to what we're treating?
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Would he agree that we have to continue our support for glyphosate
0:25:55 > 0:26:00which protects the environment by producing the need -- reducing the
0:26:00 > 0:26:07need to use other herbicides. Will he continue to support this safe
0:26:07 > 0:26:12herbicide once Brexit has taken place?I'm grateful for making that
0:26:12 > 0:26:17point. I am delighted that the outstanding commission for
0:26:17 > 0:26:26agriculture has secured a cent for using this for five more years. --
0:26:26 > 0:26:38assent. It is a useful tool to move towards gaining.He clearly knows
0:26:38 > 0:26:44all the jargon, it has been a very educational experience this morning.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47In the absence of the Northern Ireland Executive, will the
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Secretary of State ensure that he has discussions with the permanent
0:26:50 > 0:26:55Secretary of agriculture in Northern Ireland to ensure our sector and
0:26:55 > 0:26:58there are niche markets will be protected as we go forward beyond
0:26:58 > 0:27:05March 2019?Absolutely, I am looking forward to representatives from the
0:27:05 > 0:27:10devolved body in Northern Ireland to come to DEFRA for discussions next
0:27:10 > 0:27:13Thursday. Can I also pay tribute to him and his DUP colleagues that
0:27:13 > 0:27:18ensure that me and my ministerial colleagues are kept up to the mark
0:27:18 > 0:27:22with the policies that need to be shaped regarding farmers and
0:27:22 > 0:27:23fishermen in Ireland?
0:27:29 > 0:27:35I am delighted at the industrial strategy white paper that sets out
0:27:35 > 0:27:38plans to boost earnings across the UK and recognises the importance of
0:27:38 > 0:27:43the food and drink sector and that is why we have announced a new food
0:27:43 > 0:27:47and drink sector Council as part of the strategy.Thank you for your
0:27:47 > 0:27:56answer. He will be aware more than most that my constituency are
0:27:56 > 0:28:03thinking that the seafood policy is less important than the actors to
0:28:03 > 0:28:11Labour. What have you spoken to the Scottish seafood community about
0:28:11 > 0:28:19this?There is no better champion Dougie Scottish fish -- then the
0:28:19 > 0:28:34Scottish fish... Since then, I have talked to the Home Secretary and the
0:28:34 > 0:28:37others and if it were not for you, we would not have that argument
0:28:37 > 0:28:46being had been argued on he is a brilliant advocate. His constituency
0:28:46 > 0:28:54are exceptionally lucky to have him. The honourable member just waved at
0:28:54 > 0:29:04the chair, which might be an hour just to, if not the same as bobbing.
0:29:04 > 0:29:13Thank you, I'm on a learning curve here. My constituency has a small
0:29:13 > 0:29:19stroke brewery and next to it a Carlsberg plan. Such a juxtaposition
0:29:19 > 0:29:29identifies the range of industrial work in the country.We all know
0:29:29 > 0:29:38that Carlsberg is primarily a brewer, but if Carlsberg did MPs...
0:29:38 > 0:29:43Then the member for Northampton South would be the premier brand.
0:29:43 > 0:29:51Fizzy with a great head, always a pleasure to spend time with of an
0:29:51 > 0:29:56evening, but he is absolutely right. We need to make sure that not just
0:29:56 > 0:30:00major brewers like Carlsberg invest in this country, but premium,
0:30:00 > 0:30:07artisan all brewers.All the remit is to congratulate the gentleman on
0:30:07 > 0:30:14his acuity, which is a preferred phrase. No doubt it will be in
0:30:14 > 0:30:24evidence at the next questions. We very much hope so.The EU withdrawal
0:30:24 > 0:30:29bill will ensure that the whole body will continue to have effect UK law.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33My right honourable friend last month announced that we will be
0:30:33 > 0:30:40consulting on the creation and plans to consult on a new independent
0:30:40 > 0:30:44strategy body which will hold bodies on account to environmental
0:30:44 > 0:30:52commitments.Can I also thank the Minister for her response. The
0:30:52 > 0:30:58Government has boasts that it will leave the environment and -- in a
0:30:58 > 0:31:05better state than it found it. Even better laws of environmental
0:31:05 > 0:31:08protection after we leave the EU are needed.I agree with the honourable
0:31:08 > 0:31:15Lady. We agree with that and it has been our manifesto and we will
0:31:15 > 0:31:18continue without 25 year environment plan to be published shortly that we
0:31:18 > 0:31:22will continue to set out that agenda for the next generation.Finally,
0:31:22 > 0:31:30Angela Smith.We are actively looking to see what we can do in
0:31:30 > 0:31:32this area and leaving the European Union provides us with opportunities
0:31:32 > 0:31:44to deal with illegal trade in puppies.Once the EU rules have been
0:31:44 > 0:31:49transferred to the UK statute book, can the Secretary of State confirmed
0:31:49 > 0:31:53that the scheme will be reviewed as a priority and taken into account
0:31:53 > 0:32:00the recommendations which has campaigned tirelessly, as he well
0:32:00 > 0:32:05knows now, for a number of years to get the scheme changed and improved.
0:32:05 > 0:32:11It is not just the dog's trust that is campaigning, it is the honourable
0:32:11 > 0:32:15Lady. We need to look to make announcements before we leave the
0:32:15 > 0:32:22European Union about how it should be improved. Thank you to the 's
0:32:22 > 0:32:32trust, of the two dogs in the gof family house one was from the Dogs
0:32:32 > 0:32:43Trust. Let me take this opportunity to thank the nation's chief
0:32:43 > 0:32:48veterinary officer, he moves on from the Department and the country is
0:32:48 > 0:32:55grateful for his service.The UK's terrible air pollution is getting
0:32:55 > 0:32:59worse and doesn't respect local authority boundaries. When can we
0:32:59 > 0:33:05expect in air quality plan that makes a real difference, all will be
0:33:05 > 0:33:08Secretary of State continued to shunt the responsibility to councils
0:33:08 > 0:33:10who have neither the resources or the powers to address this
0:33:10 > 0:33:18nationwide challenge.Mr Speaker, egg quality is improving. I -- air
0:33:18 > 0:33:27quality. She is aware of the £90,000 grant given to Ealing Council, but
0:33:27 > 0:33:35we are looking at a clean as strategy for consultation next year.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38I have been contacted by constituents who are concerned about
0:33:38 > 0:33:46the new clause 30 of the EU withdrawal bill which was
0:33:46 > 0:33:50interpreted as weakening protection for animals. However, can you
0:33:50 > 0:33:53provide absolute assurances that this will be the case as we leave
0:33:53 > 0:33:58you?I'm grateful for making this point, she has been a clear and
0:33:58 > 0:34:03consistent advocate for high standards of animal welfare. It is
0:34:03 > 0:34:06absolutely the case that we are committed to ensuring not just that
0:34:06 > 0:34:09we recognise the principle of animal sentience, but that we provide
0:34:09 > 0:34:15appropriate and strongly protected animal law. We will be bringing
0:34:15 > 0:34:23forward shortly the laws for that. Good to hear you helping the
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Woodland Trust. What were you doing to strengthen protection for ancient
0:34:26 > 0:34:34woodland?Thank you for your work in this area, he has been a great
0:34:34 > 0:34:40champion of the work of the Woodland Trust. It is the case that I met
0:34:40 > 0:34:51with people yesterday and hope to bring forward plans.Scottish
0:34:51 > 0:34:57distilleries, many of them, are based on my constituency.Will you
0:34:57 > 0:35:02protect them? I have had the opportunity, thanks to the
0:35:02 > 0:35:08honourable gentleman, to visit one of the distilleries in his
0:35:08 > 0:35:12constituency. I hope to visit many more. He is a brilliant advocate for
0:35:12 > 0:35:25the interests of the Scots whiskey industry. Single malts have become
0:35:25 > 0:35:31incredibly popular. It is only the work of the people like the
0:35:31 > 0:35:38honourable gentleman, the have no better advocate than the honourable
0:35:38 > 0:35:44gentleman.Because of our rivers are a risk from unsustainable
0:35:44 > 0:35:49abstraction, particularly a problem in the south and east. When will the
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Government actually take action to tackle unsustainable water
0:35:51 > 0:35:56abstraction?We have been considering this carefully. I hope
0:35:56 > 0:36:00we will be able to make an announcement within the next month
0:36:00 > 0:36:02on the publication of our abstraction plan and I'm sure he
0:36:02 > 0:36:07will enjoy reading it and I will discuss it with him later.Cornish
0:36:07 > 0:36:11food and drink some of the best in world, whether it is an dairy
0:36:11 > 0:36:23products made in County, or beer. What conversations are you having
0:36:23 > 0:36:25with the Secretary of State for International Development about the
0:36:25 > 0:36:29potential of new market for Cornish food and drink once we leave the EU?
0:36:29 > 0:36:38Thank you for mentioning the world leading food company and has been
0:36:38 > 0:36:41very successful at exporting cream to the Far East and other markets.
0:36:41 > 0:36:46We are in regular discussions, there are export opportunities for our
0:36:46 > 0:36:53great producers.Different questions on the 20th of July, the Secretary
0:36:53 > 0:37:01of State was asked to confirm that categorised as articles as sentience
0:37:01 > 0:37:09beings. He replied absolutely, given that he voted against including
0:37:09 > 0:37:14article 16, what made him disagree to observe?I'm tempted to quote
0:37:14 > 0:37:21from the American poet who made the point that I contain multitudes, but
0:37:21 > 0:37:27the truth is that we want to go further than existing EU law does in
0:37:27 > 0:37:30the protection of animal welfare and there is a better legislative
0:37:30 > 0:37:36vehicle and we will make an announcement on that next week.I'm
0:37:36 > 0:37:41astonished.The Cats protection league said that when the UK signed
0:37:41 > 0:37:50up to the pet travel scheme we had to abandon requirements the cat had
0:37:50 > 0:37:53compiles the requirement against tapeworm antics. Can we reinstate
0:37:53 > 0:37:56these revelations were merely the European union? -- tapeworm and
0:37:56 > 0:38:06ticks.The poet was Walt Whitman. Yes is the short answer.Can the
0:38:06 > 0:38:11Minister given assurance that post-withdrawal from the European
0:38:11 > 0:38:18Union, we will have a clear and successful route to apply for
0:38:18 > 0:38:23schemes?It is arduous and complex at the moment. Yes. Only last week
0:38:23 > 0:38:30we announced that we would be simple fine country side stewardship. I
0:38:30 > 0:38:33look forward to working with her to make sure that the farmer she
0:38:33 > 0:38:39represents have access to this money so that she has the cash in her
0:38:39 > 0:38:46constituency for the enhancement is needed.What about the Government's
0:38:46 > 0:38:51decision to ban the ivory trade? There is an increase in the trade in
0:38:51 > 0:39:01relation to Hippo ivory. Only 100,000 hippos are left. May you
0:39:01 > 0:39:08extend the ban to other, narwhal, walrus and the like?My honourable
0:39:08 > 0:39:12friend makes a good point. So far, the scope of our proposed
0:39:12 > 0:39:15legislation is restricted to African and Asian elephants, however the
0:39:15 > 0:39:19consultation is to open, I will take that as a submission. We are keen to
0:39:19 > 0:39:22see what we can do to protect all endangered to be that the habitats
0:39:22 > 0:39:32and this is one way to proceed, protect it.Could be Secretary of
0:39:32 > 0:39:37State LP has what discussions he is having with colleagues do it ensure
0:39:37 > 0:39:42that they get due recognition post Brexit and can work in the same
0:39:42 > 0:39:48terms as they currently enjoy?These discussions are part of our planning
0:39:48 > 0:39:53and we want to put in place a very close partnership with our European
0:39:53 > 0:39:56partners and certainly trying to get agreement on mutual recognition on
0:39:56 > 0:40:02some of these qualifications would be on that agenda.On leaving the
0:40:02 > 0:40:07Yukon of the UK will be able to set its own farm support policy. -- the
0:40:07 > 0:40:21E U.The honourable gentleman is one of the most formidable and
0:40:21 > 0:40:26knowledgeable gentleman on the Agro food business in this house and we
0:40:26 > 0:40:30need to keep pace in what is happening in other markets to make
0:40:30 > 0:40:33sure we support farmers and support the work they do. It is thanks to
0:40:33 > 0:40:39his advocacy that representatives will be coming in