0:00:00 > 0:00:01Houses of Parliament at 11 o'clock tonight, but first we have questions
0:00:01 > 0:00:05to the Minister for the Department of the Environment, food and rural
0:00:05 > 0:00:18affairs.On the 11th of January the Government published its plan to
0:00:18 > 0:00:23eliminate all avoidable plastic waste. We've already banned
0:00:23 > 0:00:26microbeads in personal care products, and we are exploring a
0:00:26 > 0:00:31reward and return scheme as well as welcoming the introduction of
0:00:31 > 0:00:36plastic free aisles by retailers. We are also investigating how we can
0:00:36 > 0:00:42develop our responsibilities to give incentives to design more resource
0:00:42 > 0:00:47efficient products.Hayling Island Beach has been recognised for its
0:00:47 > 0:00:52clean coastline for the last 26 years partly because it is plastic
0:00:52 > 0:00:58free. Will the Secretary of State congratulate residents and support
0:00:58 > 0:01:04communities to keep coastline is plastic free?Yes, and the
0:01:04 > 0:01:09leadership shown is equal to my honourable friend, I have seen his
0:01:09 > 0:01:14commitment to our marine environment and I think it is vital that
0:01:14 > 0:01:17colleagues like the honourable gentlemen are applauded for their
0:01:17 > 0:01:26determined environmental work. People in Chelmsford care about
0:01:26 > 0:01:29their recycling, can my right honourable friend confirm what
0:01:29 > 0:01:34actions we can all take to ensure that when we put items in our
0:01:34 > 0:01:41recycling, that end product can be put to a meaningful use?My
0:01:41 > 0:01:45honourable friend makes an important point and she has not just in this
0:01:45 > 0:01:49parliament but in the European department may determined efforts to
0:01:49 > 0:01:55make recycling easier for all. We also need to better coordinate
0:01:55 > 0:02:02efforts at a local level to make sure recyclable material is used.
0:02:02 > 0:02:10Visit to Bywaters recycling, I heard some about the challenges they face.
0:02:10 > 0:02:16They told me the Chinese ban on imports of UK waste has caused the
0:02:16 > 0:02:21price of recycled paper and presumably also plastic to fall from
0:02:21 > 0:02:26£100 per tonne to £20 per tonne which will have an impact on the
0:02:26 > 0:02:29viability of recycling contracts and will feed through into council tax
0:02:29 > 0:02:33bills so does he agree with me the way to tackle that is to set
0:02:33 > 0:02:37long-term targets for the waste industry such as the EU is
0:02:37 > 0:02:44suggesting?I do think setting appropriate targets is part of it.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48Waste is such an important moment in the way in which they measure
0:02:48 > 0:02:51recycling that it doesn't always incentivise quite the right
0:02:51 > 0:02:57behaviour and I'm glad our own government has gone further in
0:02:57 > 0:03:02tackling the scourge of single use plastics.The UK is in the unique
0:03:02 > 0:03:07position to tackle waste in oceans because of the number of overseas
0:03:07 > 0:03:11territories we have. Will Secretary of State be speaking to those
0:03:11 > 0:03:15overseas territories to develop a comprehensive strategy in this area?
0:03:15 > 0:03:21It is a very good question. The member always asks good questions
0:03:21 > 0:03:25whether in this House as well as elsewhere, as well as writing good
0:03:25 > 0:03:31books. My colleague, the Minister for environment, will be meeting
0:03:31 > 0:03:34overseas Territories' representatives next month, but yes,
0:03:34 > 0:03:38working on the network around overseas territories, there is more
0:03:38 > 0:03:44to do.He will feel his status not just in this House but in the
0:03:44 > 0:03:47country and perhaps even in the world as a whole will be greatly
0:03:47 > 0:03:52enhanced by the general tribute that has been bestowed upon him by the
0:03:52 > 0:03:59Secretary of State.Primary school pupils at Oxley Park Academy in my
0:03:59 > 0:04:04constituency have launched a campaign to replace plastic straws
0:04:04 > 0:04:08with environmentally friendly alternatives. Will the Secretary of
0:04:08 > 0:04:11State commend their initiative and if I send him the details will he
0:04:11 > 0:04:16take on board their suggestions?I absolutely commend their initiative.
0:04:16 > 0:04:22It is the case the next generation often put some of us to shame. I
0:04:22 > 0:04:26shall say there is one of the youngster who has been leading the
0:04:26 > 0:04:29charge against plastic straws and that is the relatively newly
0:04:29 > 0:04:37installed editor of the London Evening Standard who has been
0:04:37 > 0:04:42instrumental in ensuring commercial organisations ban plastic straws,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45and can my commend him for the promising start he has shown into
0:04:45 > 0:04:51journalism.I'm sure the young man concerned will feel fortified by
0:04:51 > 0:05:00that.Can I commend the Secretary of State for the publication of his
0:05:00 > 0:05:04strategy, a significant step, but there are opportunities still to do
0:05:04 > 0:05:09more. Can he tell the House why it is but he allowed 25 years in that
0:05:09 > 0:05:14strategy for the elimination of nonessential plastics? If they are
0:05:14 > 0:05:18not essential, surely we can do better than that?The nature of the
0:05:18 > 0:05:2425 year plan was a recommendation which covers a wide range of issues
0:05:24 > 0:05:28but it is the case there are more demanding and more ambitious targets
0:05:28 > 0:05:31to reduce single use plastics which the Government is bringing forward.
0:05:31 > 0:05:37What he is right to encourage us in Government and all of us to do more.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42May I take this opportunity to wish the Speaker and indeed the Minister
0:05:42 > 0:05:47happy Burns Day. One idea currently being discussed in Scotland is that
0:05:47 > 0:05:52of the plastic bottle return scheme. What discussions has my right
0:05:52 > 0:05:56honourable friend had with counterparts to ensure system can
0:05:56 > 0:06:03work preventing English bottles being paid for by the Scottish
0:06:03 > 0:06:06Government and vice versa?On the subject of Burns day I had recent
0:06:06 > 0:06:10discussions with the Secretary of agriculture to see if we can lift
0:06:10 > 0:06:16the ban on haggis. While the American president has many faults,
0:06:16 > 0:06:21he has one virtue which is that he has a Scots mother so he may listen
0:06:21 > 0:06:26sympathetically. On the issue of the deposit return scheme, we will be
0:06:26 > 0:06:29working with devolved administrations to make sure we have
0:06:29 > 0:06:34a UK wide approach wherever possible.The House will certainly
0:06:34 > 0:06:42want to be kept informed about the haggis situation.I'm sure you would
0:06:42 > 0:06:47agree with me that plastic pollution is one of the great environmental
0:06:47 > 0:06:50challenges of today. The Secretary of State has mentioned a number of
0:06:50 > 0:06:53times the importance of recycling so I'm concerned we have had reports
0:06:53 > 0:06:59the Government has been opposing the new EU targets. Can the Secretary of
0:06:59 > 0:07:03State explain why the Government is opposing the new recycling targets?
0:07:03 > 0:07:07We are anxious to make sure that across the EU we have the right
0:07:07 > 0:07:12targets. One of the flaws with the EU system is because of its reliance
0:07:12 > 0:07:16on measuring through weight, sometimes it incentivise is the
0:07:16 > 0:07:20wrong approach is but I'm confident our own country has gone further
0:07:20 > 0:07:25than the European Union suggested on everything from banning
0:07:25 > 0:07:29micro-plastics to indeed introducing the charge on plastic bags. In all
0:07:29 > 0:07:35of these areas we have gone further and faster than the EU and that is
0:07:35 > 0:07:41the ambition this Government has for a truly green Brexit.This question
0:07:41 > 0:07:46will be put by the right honourable gentleman for Worley. I wish the
0:07:46 > 0:07:54honourable gentleman the Member for Easington well.I also hope he
0:07:54 > 0:07:58recovers his voice soon. With permission I would like to take
0:07:58 > 0:08:02question two and 14 together. The Government has made no assessment of
0:08:02 > 0:08:06the effect of trail hunting but anyone who believes an event is
0:08:06 > 0:08:12taking place during the hunt should report the matter to police.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16Decisions on the arrest and prosecution of those taking part in
0:08:16 > 0:08:18illegal hunting activities are matters for the police and
0:08:18 > 0:08:26prosecuting authorities.And the Minister will be aware that concerns
0:08:26 > 0:08:31are growing that trail hunting is being used as a cover for illegal
0:08:31 > 0:08:34hunting. This was recently brought into focus by the invasion of the
0:08:34 > 0:08:43cat sanctuary run in East Sussex by a pack of hounds from the Romney
0:08:43 > 0:08:47marsh haunt so what action will the Government take against those who
0:08:47 > 0:08:54continue to hunt illegally?I would point out that the law in this area
0:08:54 > 0:09:03is clear and indeed if you look at the period from 2005 until 2015, 682
0:09:03 > 0:09:07individuals were prosecuted and 423 found guilty so the law is clear
0:09:07 > 0:09:11here and being enforced, and even groups like the RSPCA have accepted
0:09:11 > 0:09:18this is an enforceable law.In the four weeks since Boxing Day at least
0:09:18 > 0:09:23four foxes in Cheshire have been illegally killed by trail hunts so
0:09:23 > 0:09:27having withdrawn their plans to scrap the antihunting Bill, can I
0:09:27 > 0:09:30ask the Minister if it's the case that someone in the Government has
0:09:30 > 0:09:35given a secret nod and wink to trail hunts that they can continue and
0:09:35 > 0:09:41kill foxes with impunity?Nope, that is not the case. The Prime Minister
0:09:41 > 0:09:49has made clear, there will not be the free vote on fox hunting with
0:09:49 > 0:09:53pledged in our manifesto in this Parliament, but as I said earlier
0:09:53 > 0:09:56fox hunting is a matter for the police and prosecuting authorities
0:09:56 > 0:10:00and anybody who believes the law has been broken should report it to the
0:10:00 > 0:10:07police.Question number three, Mr Speaker.In addition to the measures
0:10:07 > 0:10:12set out in my previous answers, our plan also explores how we can better
0:10:12 > 0:10:16incentivise producers to design better packaging and we are working
0:10:16 > 0:10:20with the charity on the industry to increase the amount of recyclable
0:10:20 > 0:10:24packaging on the market.Over 200 members of this House signed my
0:10:24 > 0:10:31letter regarding the supermarkets and what they can be doing to cut
0:10:31 > 0:10:35down on or improve their recycling to meet the targets which my
0:10:35 > 0:10:40honourable friend mentioned earlier. My question is which supermarkets
0:10:40 > 0:10:43has the Secretary of State personally spoken to, to bring them
0:10:43 > 0:10:49in line with Iceland which is apparently a leader in this area?It
0:10:49 > 0:10:53was an excellent letter, and as well as talking to Iceland I have also
0:10:53 > 0:10:58spoken to Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury's. We had a
0:10:58 > 0:11:02round table before Christmas, and a shared commitment was made by those
0:11:02 > 0:11:08retailers and others to reduce the demand for plastic, and of the
0:11:08 > 0:11:12plastics we had more were either recycled or recyclable, and there
0:11:12 > 0:11:16was also commitment to work with local government to make it easier
0:11:16 > 0:11:20to recycle.On the Secretary of State outline what steps he is
0:11:20 > 0:11:23taking to increase the capacity of recycling facilities and
0:11:23 > 0:11:32infrastructure the country?
0:11:32 > 0:11:35To encourage more recycling and capacity in the waste industry.
0:11:35 > 0:11:41Thank you. When I was doing my family shopping in ASDA, Wrexham,
0:11:41 > 0:11:47last weekend, I noticed the appalling level of plastic packaging
0:11:47 > 0:11:51on meat proof ducts which seems to be in place for the ease of the
0:11:51 > 0:11:55supermarkets rather than the customers L the Secretary of State
0:11:55 > 0:11:58raise with the supermarkets the issue with supermarkets relating to
0:11:58 > 0:12:04packaging?I absolutely will. One of the things I would say is whilevy no
0:12:04 > 0:12:10wish to undermine ASDA, I find when buying meat the best thing to do is
0:12:10 > 0:12:14to go to one's local butcher, in order to buy locally and to invest
0:12:14 > 0:12:21in the local economy.Would the Secretary of State join me in
0:12:21 > 0:12:25congratulating the initiative from Water UK, to encourage more places
0:12:25 > 0:12:30in our high streets to allow more people to fill water bottles rather
0:12:30 > 0:12:36than buying water in disposal plastic containers.Water UK's
0:12:36 > 0:12:40initiative is wholly welcome. The idea of re-fill stations is right.
0:12:40 > 0:12:46The decline of public water fountains marked a deeply
0:12:46 > 0:12:52regrettable trend. I am glad they are making a comeback.I thank the
0:12:52 > 0:12:59Secretary of State for his response. Some 480 million plastic bottles
0:12:59 > 0:13:04were sold globally in 2016. What discussions has the Secretary of
0:13:04 > 0:13:07State had with the companies to reduce or reuse - whatever the case
0:13:07 > 0:13:12may be?We have discussed both with industry bodies that represent a
0:13:12 > 0:13:15variety of manufacturers and also with individual retailers -
0:13:15 > 0:13:24everything we can do. He's right - the world's conscience has been open
0:13:24 > 0:13:29to the scourge of plastic by documentary makers like David
0:13:29 > 0:13:35Attenborough and how it is that we tread more lightly on our planet.
0:13:35 > 0:13:42What he has shown also has been exemplary.Thank you. The
0:13:42 > 0:13:46Government's consultation closed on 29th December. We had over 70,000
0:13:46 > 0:13:50responses to. This clearly, we are considering those carefully. We want
0:13:50 > 0:13:53to act at pace, that is why officials are acting with
0:13:53 > 0:14:02legislation. We need to give due consider so we get the legislation
0:14:02 > 0:14:08to end elephant poaching in Africa and other parts of the world.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13Animal welfare at home and abroad. The report has revealed enforcement
0:14:13 > 0:14:21officers are hindered by the lack of proper reporting processes. While we
0:14:21 > 0:14:26prepare to host the summit, what assurances can she give me and the
0:14:26 > 0:14:30APPG on dangered species of which I am the chair, given by the
0:14:30 > 0:14:34department to address the matter? Well, Mr Speaker, the United Kingdom
0:14:34 > 0:14:39Government has been very active in taking practical action to reduce
0:14:39 > 0:14:45demand, into enforcement. We are investing in schemes around the
0:14:45 > 0:14:49world to reduce this pernicious trade particularly on t national
0:14:49 > 0:14:55wildlife unit. In order to tackle crime here, intelligence is key. We
0:14:55 > 0:14:58will continue to make this a priority.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03I support the Secretary of State and the minister in this regard. She'll
0:15:03 > 0:15:08be aware of the concerns among antique dealers about the
0:15:08 > 0:15:14ramification of ivory from a historical perspective. Can she
0:15:14 > 0:15:18offer any concerns to asuede concerns that ivory which has been
0:15:18 > 0:15:23around for generations in antiques will be able to continue?We have to
0:15:23 > 0:15:29consider this. In our consultation we put forward a number of
0:15:29 > 0:15:32exemptions we are looking through that carefully. It is important that
0:15:32 > 0:15:37we recognise that having ivory as a valuable object because it is ivory
0:15:37 > 0:15:40is something we don't do in this country or around the world and that
0:15:40 > 0:15:45is why we are taking strong action.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52Mr Speaker, I am pleased to say that the Government will continue to
0:15:52 > 0:15:56improve air quality,Supported by our clean air strategy, which we are
0:15:56 > 0:16:02developing, we will publish later this year. We have put in place a
0:16:02 > 0:16:06£3.5 million plan focussed on transport. We have targets to reduce
0:16:06 > 0:16:11emissions of the five damning - luants. This is a devolved matter
0:16:11 > 0:16:17and I no ethe Welsh Government is considering how to improve air
0:16:17 > 0:16:25quality in Wales.When will vauks wagon face action here over the
0:16:25 > 0:16:32emissions scandal?I am not the minister for transport. We all
0:16:32 > 0:16:35recognise how consumers, I expect people in this House will have felt
0:16:35 > 0:16:42duped by the testing or the dodgy practises that happened. I know
0:16:42 > 0:16:49Transport Ministers are actively engaged on this issue.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52Representing a car manufacturing constituency, I wonder if the
0:16:52 > 0:16:56minister would acknowledge that the UK car industry has made a very
0:16:56 > 0:16:59significant contribution for its investment in low emission cars.
0:16:59 > 0:17:06This is a key part of the strategy of improving air quality.My Right
0:17:06 > 0:17:10Honourable friend is right. We have invested in order to clean up
0:17:10 > 0:17:14transport infrastructure. Through legislation we will require more
0:17:14 > 0:17:18deployment of electric charging points. I am pleased the money we
0:17:18 > 0:17:23are investing is doing things to help to clean up buses, that is key
0:17:23 > 0:17:26to improving air quality, particularly in our urban accept
0:17:26 > 0:17:30terse.The minister will recognise there is a crisis now in terms of
0:17:30 > 0:17:33our air quality and the way it impacts in particular on our
0:17:33 > 0:17:37children. Some of this is the most polluting vehicles, heavy goods
0:17:37 > 0:17:42vehicles and buses. What is this Government going to do - this
0:17:42 > 0:17:45joined-up Government going to do to make sure we get those off our
0:17:45 > 0:17:52roads?That is why the Government is investing money and has been to
0:17:52 > 0:17:56clean up to bus vehicle fleet. I am sure he'll be keen to work with his
0:17:56 > 0:17:59council in Greater Manchester in order to work on the air quality
0:17:59 > 0:18:03plan. It is important we have local solutions which tackle the issues
0:18:03 > 0:18:08locally.Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Government's plans on air quality
0:18:08 > 0:18:15are simply inadequate. And it's been taken back to court yet again. And
0:18:15 > 0:18:20with an estimated 40,000 premature deaths attributed to air pollution
0:18:20 > 0:18:24every year, how critical does the situation have to get before the
0:18:24 > 0:18:28Government acts with the High Court ruling? Will the Secretary of State
0:18:28 > 0:18:32and minister support calls to bring forward a new Clean Air Act to
0:18:32 > 0:18:37urgently deal with this matter?Mr Speaker, we need clean air action.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41We are working with local councils. I wish she would encourage her
0:18:41 > 0:18:45councils to get on with it. I have had to issue ministerial directions
0:18:45 > 0:18:48in order to get councils to bring forward bans. This is a real
0:18:48 > 0:18:54problem. I wish that we could work on this. What matters is improving
0:18:54 > 0:18:58the health of the people we represent. I am keen to do. That I
0:18:58 > 0:19:03will welcome her support in working Labour-led councils to achieve the
0:19:03 > 0:19:10same. Question six.Before the
0:19:10 > 0:19:15introduction in 2016 only 9% of householders who previously claimed
0:19:15 > 0:19:23for a flood could get insurance quotes from two or more insurers.
0:19:23 > 0:19:31Now costs are down and four out of five householders have seen price
0:19:31 > 0:19:36reductions have seen reductions of 50%.With flood alerts on the River
0:19:36 > 0:19:41Ouse and two years since storm Eva, residents in leasehold or
0:19:41 > 0:19:46accommodation built since 2009 and businesses have been failed by this
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Government in putting appropriate insurance in place. What recent
0:19:49 > 0:19:53discussions has the minister had about this?Well, Mr Speaker, I
0:19:53 > 0:20:00should point to the record £2.5 billion of flood defences we are
0:20:00 > 0:20:03making between 2015-2021, from people inwork will benefit and
0:20:03 > 0:20:09businesses as well. The rules are specific. After careful
0:20:09 > 0:20:14parliamentary scrutiny an approach was taken so it would not be
0:20:14 > 0:20:17included, I continue to meet the British insurance brooker
0:20:17 > 0:20:24association. I've had about five cases raced raised by Members of
0:20:24 > 0:20:29Parliament.I think they cover residential properties, but when a
0:20:29 > 0:20:36guest house, is that a business, is it a residence. Can it get
0:20:36 > 0:20:40insurance? Is it affordable? This is where businesses are finding it
0:20:40 > 0:20:47difficult - to get affordable insurance?I have taken up the issue
0:20:47 > 0:20:50of leasehold properties and. The flood was a big change in this
0:20:50 > 0:20:55country. Every householder supports other householders for a limited
0:20:55 > 0:20:58period of time in order to help with this issue on tackling flood
0:20:58 > 0:21:02resilience. It would be a massive change for businesses in one part of
0:21:02 > 0:21:05the country to subsidise other businesses because of the location
0:21:05 > 0:21:08choice of that business. This is not a straightforward issue. I recognise
0:21:08 > 0:21:13and that is why we continue to work with the insurance industry to
0:21:13 > 0:21:18improve cover.Many in Cumbria who suffered flooding were affected by
0:21:18 > 0:21:23surface water flooding. While the Environment Agency flood defences
0:21:23 > 0:21:29must meet a one in 100 year standard the water companies are obliged to
0:21:29 > 0:21:33meet a one in 50 year standard. What plans does the minister have to
0:21:33 > 0:21:36ensure the water companies are held to the highest standard so homes and
0:21:36 > 0:21:40businesses are not put at risk at the devastation and misery caused by
0:21:40 > 0:21:45flooding?We are talking about the protection of their assets. Surface
0:21:45 > 0:21:50water is the responsibility of local councils. We are working on a
0:21:50 > 0:21:53strategy, led by the Environment Agency, who have strategic oversight
0:21:53 > 0:21:59of this and we will do more on surface flooding this year.As we
0:21:59 > 0:22:03have heard, parts of the country, including my constituency were
0:22:03 > 0:22:08affected by both flood warnings and flooding this week. The 25-year
0:22:08 > 0:22:11environment plan gave the Government the opportunity to think long-term
0:22:11 > 0:22:15about responding to flood risk. Whilst I apreeshiate the risk
0:22:15 > 0:22:20management strategy will be updated in 2019, can the minister explain
0:22:20 > 0:22:25why the plan itself fails to include any proposals or funding reducing
0:22:25 > 0:22:29flood risk beyond just the next three years?Mr Speaker, when the
0:22:29 > 0:22:34Government made this decision to have a six-year plan on funding, it
0:22:34 > 0:22:39dramatically changed the situation for householders, for businesses and
0:22:39 > 0:22:45allowed the Environment Agency to have long-term plans despite the
0:22:45 > 0:22:49hand-to-mouth existence. She should welcome we have that in place and we
0:22:49 > 0:22:56will be working on future budgets in in time.The Government is proud of
0:22:56 > 0:23:01the high food safety and animal welfare standards which underpin our
0:23:01 > 0:23:06great British produce. We have no intention of undercutting our
0:23:06 > 0:23:10representation for quality by lowering animal standards in pursuit
0:23:10 > 0:23:17of a trade deal.Does the minister now the former Education Secretary
0:23:17 > 0:23:22would be content to serve school children American chlorinated
0:23:22 > 0:23:27chicken?The point I make to the honourable gentleman is when we
0:23:27 > 0:23:33leave the European Union, the withdrawal bill will bring across
0:23:33 > 0:23:38all bills including that on chlorinated chicken. The issue here
0:23:38 > 0:23:42is the animal welfare issue and chlorinated chicken can sometimes
0:23:42 > 0:23:49mask those concerns.British farmers will be completely undermined if we
0:23:49 > 0:23:53have a flood of imports from countries with lower animal welfare
0:23:53 > 0:24:01standards. So, will he now tell the House that that is to be one of the
0:24:01 > 0:24:06Government's red lines in negotiating?Well, Mr Speaker, if
0:24:06 > 0:24:09the honourable lady listened so my earlier question, she would have
0:24:09 > 0:24:15heard we said we have no intention of undercutting our quality by
0:24:15 > 0:24:20lowering or animal welfare standard in pursuit of a trade deal.Thank
0:24:20 > 0:24:34you very much. Our plastic bag... Single use bags used in England and
0:24:34 > 0:24:39microbed enforcement is one of the tough nest the world.As the
0:24:39 > 0:24:44Secretary of State is aware on 6th February I will be hosting an event
0:24:44 > 0:24:48in Parliament together with sky TV as part of their ocean rescue
0:24:48 > 0:24:51campaign, inviting Members of Parliament to pledge to reduce the
0:24:51 > 0:24:55amount of plastic they use in this place. Does the Secretary of State
0:24:55 > 0:24:57agree it is important that honourable members of this House
0:24:57 > 0:25:02take a lead and set an example on this issue? Will he join me in
0:25:02 > 0:25:06encouraging members of this House to come to that event and cut the
0:25:06 > 0:25:09amount of plastic here?It is an excellent campaign that Sky have
0:25:09 > 0:25:15been running. They are very lucky to have the honourable, my honourable
0:25:15 > 0:25:19friend playing such a role because he's been an outstanding campaigner.
0:25:19 > 0:25:25There is a commitment we can all make. I know that my honourable
0:25:25 > 0:25:28friend the minister has written to the member to see what the House can
0:25:28 > 0:25:33do, Mr Speaker, to ensure we reduce the amount of single use plastic on
0:25:33 > 0:25:41the parliamentary estate. THE SPEAKER: I know there is a song
0:25:41 > 0:25:44in his heart at the revelation of that development.Thank you, Mr
0:25:44 > 0:25:49Speaker. The Welsh Labour Government is the third best in the world for
0:25:49 > 0:25:54recycling. Far exceeding its targets this year alone. I am sure the
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Secretary of State will join me in congratulating the Welsh Government
0:25:57 > 0:26:01on this. Can the Secretary of State clarify his position on recycling?
0:26:01 > 0:26:06He talks a good talk, but does little to demonstrate action and is
0:26:06 > 0:26:10in danger of missing these vital EU targets.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18Two fishermen lost their lives, an appeal has being run in order to
0:27:18 > 0:27:25raise money in order to support their families. We know the inherent
0:27:25 > 0:27:29risk in fishing and therefore I'm sure on behalf of the House, here in
0:27:29 > 0:27:34deaf and ministers want to thank those who risk their lives every day
0:27:34 > 0:27:41to ensure we can eat fresh fish and our heart goes out to those affected
0:27:41 > 0:27:45by this tragedy.On my right honourable friend assure
0:27:45 > 0:27:52constituents right across the UK that whether farmers are arable,
0:27:52 > 0:27:56livestock, dairy or Hill, no matter where they live the new UK wide
0:27:56 > 0:28:02frameworks that come as a result of us leaving the EU will work for all
0:28:02 > 0:28:07farmers and constituents.It's a good point raised by my noble friend
0:28:07 > 0:28:11who does an outstanding job in working for his constituents, and
0:28:11 > 0:28:17I'm looking forward to visiting his constituency next week. We must
0:28:17 > 0:28:24continue to work across the UK to ensure the interests of all farmers
0:28:24 > 0:28:37are respected by the new UK wide framework.The 2016 RSPB bird crime
0:28:37 > 0:28:45report said there were 81 cases confirmed of raptor persecution, yet
0:28:45 > 0:28:48not one prosecution followed. Could the Minister explain why and what is
0:28:48 > 0:28:55he going to do about it?We take this issue seriously, that is why it
0:28:55 > 0:29:02is one of the six crime priorities for the national crime unit. It is
0:29:02 > 0:29:07important to get evidence so we can carry out prosecutions but the
0:29:07 > 0:29:11Government cannot direct the CPS to enforce these prosecutions but we
0:29:11 > 0:29:15urge everybody who cares about wildlife to bring forward that
0:29:15 > 0:29:27evidence to the police.Sir Desmond Swain.Will the Minister come and
0:29:27 > 0:29:38see what we can do to restore the even water meadows?I was in
0:29:38 > 0:29:43Hampshire recently, I visited constituencies to look at those. I
0:29:43 > 0:29:47would be delighted to return to Hampshire and the wonderful New
0:29:47 > 0:30:03Forest to look at this particular matter in June -- in due course.The
0:30:03 > 0:30:09question in fishing is, given the terms he will take from the European
0:30:09 > 0:30:16Union, where is it going and when? Onto the plates of people from the
0:30:16 > 0:30:20Western Isles to the south-west of England who can enjoy the fantastic
0:30:20 > 0:30:24projects that our fishermen... Thank you, that our fishermen catch every
0:30:24 > 0:30:34day.I'm delighted that Doddington has been granted permission for
0:30:34 > 0:30:40600,000 trees to be planted as part of our future environment plan.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Doddington is a great example of modern mixed forestry but we need to
0:30:43 > 0:30:48make sure this is not the end but the beginning. It is vital Forestry
0:30:48 > 0:30:54Commission supports those who want to plant more trees for reasons such
0:30:54 > 0:30:58as supporting sustainable river basins. I would be delighted if the
0:30:58 > 0:31:03Minister would come and visit.I'm grateful to my right honourable
0:31:03 > 0:31:07friend. The Doddington north more development will be hugely welcome,
0:31:07 > 0:31:11not just in ensuring we have more woodland cover but in providing
0:31:11 > 0:31:15habitat for the red squirrel, a native species who I think we all
0:31:15 > 0:31:20want to see better protected. We will be working with landowners, the
0:31:20 > 0:31:24Forestry Commission and others to make sure there is more forestry
0:31:24 > 0:31:33coverage in the years ahead. RBS decided to close over 60 branches,
0:31:33 > 0:31:37will devastate rural communities and farming communities are worried
0:31:37 > 0:31:42about this. The Prime Minister has washed her hands of this. Will he
0:31:42 > 0:31:47meet RBS and make the case for oral communities?Access to banking is
0:31:47 > 0:31:52vital for the future of rural communities. May I commend the press
0:31:52 > 0:32:01and Journal newspaper for the campaign it has been running. But of
0:32:01 > 0:32:07course all of these colleagues have been leading a campaign. The
0:32:07 > 0:32:09Scottish Government has a responsibility to do more when it
0:32:09 > 0:32:14comes to safeguarding the interests of Scottish farms and it has fallen
0:32:14 > 0:32:21to Scottish Conservative colleagues to be in the lead in this campaign.
0:32:21 > 0:32:26Order! A lot of arm waving and gesticulation of a very rarefied
0:32:26 > 0:32:31character but I would remind the honourable gentleman he now holds an
0:32:31 > 0:32:38illustrious position in the House. He's trying to become senior states
0:32:38 > 0:32:42person some less finger-pointing would enhance his credentials no
0:32:42 > 0:32:47end.Will the Secretary of State join me in welcoming the vision for
0:32:47 > 0:32:50the new 50 million tree northern forest and share my delight that the
0:32:50 > 0:32:58first tree-planting will be involved in west?Indeed, Mr Speaker. This
0:32:58 > 0:33:04ribbon of woodland and Forest along the 62 will be welcome. The
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Government is supporting kick-starting this project with a
0:33:07 > 0:33:11grant and we will continue to work with the Woodland Trust in making
0:33:11 > 0:33:16this a reality. I look forward to heading to Bolton to see where it is
0:33:16 > 0:33:21first planted.There is strong cross-party and public support for
0:33:21 > 0:33:25increasing the penalties for animal cruelty to five year prison
0:33:25 > 0:33:28sentences. I wondered if that could be done forthwith rather than
0:33:28 > 0:33:32waiting for the draft animal welfare Bill which is subject to
0:33:32 > 0:33:40consultation?I'm grateful for his support and we will look at any
0:33:40 > 0:33:43proposals would come from any part of the House to try to make sure we
0:33:43 > 0:33:50can expedite this legislation.They understand the Secretary of State's
0:33:50 > 0:33:53concerns about what happens to plastic waste but would he agree
0:33:53 > 0:33:59that it's used by retailers gives the widest possible choice to
0:33:59 > 0:34:02consumers, it prevents food waste and it's important any measures
0:34:02 > 0:34:06don't reduce consumer choice and don't cause more of our food to be
0:34:06 > 0:34:12wasted.It's a very important point, while we need to reduce demand for
0:34:12 > 0:34:16plastic, it does have a role to play in the preservation of fresh produce
0:34:16 > 0:34:22and in helping to tackle food waste which is in itself an environmental
0:34:22 > 0:34:27and economic mistake.Across Dulwich this winter we have once again see
0:34:27 > 0:34:30the huge number of Thames water leaks, many at sites where there
0:34:30 > 0:34:38have been repeatedly. Thames Water has a corporate structure involving
0:34:38 > 0:34:42offshore companies on the chair of Ofwat highlighted the urgent need
0:34:42 > 0:34:47for a step change in the way it operates and behaves. Can the
0:34:47 > 0:34:50Secretary of State tell my constituents when they can expect to
0:34:50 > 0:34:56see a winter without the disruption caused by an organisation not fit
0:34:56 > 0:34:59for purpose.I share her concern, that is why the chairman of Ofwat
0:34:59 > 0:35:04has been doing such a good job in holding Thames and other water
0:35:04 > 0:35:08companies to account. Change is coming but of course I want it to
0:35:08 > 0:35:14come faster.As the Secretary of State said earlier, it is vital we
0:35:14 > 0:35:17educate our young people about the dangers of particularly plastics in
0:35:17 > 0:35:23the seat. Would he join me in congratulating Alfie from new
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Waltham Academy in my constituency who has done so much to promote
0:35:26 > 0:35:30this, and when he visits the area to meet the fishing and seafood
0:35:30 > 0:35:36community in the not too distant future, will he perhaps even visit
0:35:36 > 0:35:41the Academy?I would be delighted. With reference to air pollution, not
0:35:41 > 0:35:47a single area of London meets the World Health Organisation standards
0:35:47 > 0:35:58in terms of the damaging type of particle known as PM2.5. Clean air
0:35:58 > 0:36:02action that the Minister refers to need three sourcing. When will the
0:36:02 > 0:36:06Government, instead of passing the buck to local and regional
0:36:06 > 0:36:12authorities, put some money on these fine words?Mr Speaker, I think the
0:36:12 > 0:36:15huge amount of investment in improving transport infrastructure
0:36:15 > 0:36:23in helping local councils has done that. When it comes to PM2.5, this
0:36:23 > 0:36:28is an issue that affects everybody. I encourage people to do the right
0:36:28 > 0:36:32things in terms of that, don't burn Wedgewood, think about switching to
0:36:32 > 0:36:41smokeless coal, this is where people can take action now. -- don't burn
0:36:41 > 0:36:47wet wood.One of the reasons our countryside is so admired is because
0:36:47 > 0:36:54of the way it's looked after by farmers. When will the Secretary of
0:36:54 > 0:36:59State be able to say more about the long-term support for agriculture?
0:36:59 > 0:37:04When we think of our admiration and respect, it is due to the right
0:37:04 > 0:37:07honourable gentleman who has been an outstanding minister and fantastic
0:37:07 > 0:37:11constituency member for the Derbyshire Dales, one of the most
0:37:11 > 0:37:15beautiful parts of England, and he's right that building on the speech
0:37:15 > 0:37:19which I gave to the Oxford farming conference, more needs to be said
0:37:19 > 0:37:22and done in order to outline the framework for farming in the future
0:37:22 > 0:37:32and I hope to do so at the NFU conference where I can celebrate our
0:37:32 > 0:37:35farmers who are the best in the world.Have it framed and put it up
0:37:35 > 0:37:38in the living room!Haggis production depends on a strong
0:37:38 > 0:37:43Scottish sheep farming sector. Hill farming is vital to the local
0:37:43 > 0:37:46economy of my constituency. While the Secretary of State might say
0:37:46 > 0:37:50this is a devolved matter, come Brexit will he works with the
0:37:50 > 0:37:53Scottish Government in terms of sharing best practice and knowledge
0:37:53 > 0:38:00to make sure the livelihood of my constituents is safeguarded?We are
0:38:00 > 0:38:02already working incredibly closely with all the devolved
0:38:02 > 0:38:06administrations and indeed have been ever since the referendum decision
0:38:06 > 0:38:14to discuss these very matters.A further question, will the Secretary
0:38:14 > 0:38:18of State in building the northern forest asked them to look towards
0:38:18 > 0:38:22the National Forest in the Midlands where 8.5 million trees have been
0:38:22 > 0:38:26planted since its inception.My right honourable friend makes a
0:38:26 > 0:38:34matter of old -- makes an admirable point and I hope to visit her
0:38:34 > 0:38:38constituency and see the work that has been done. I'm very happy to
0:38:38 > 0:38:43acknowledge leadership was shown by Labour politicians as well. Oh,
0:38:43 > 0:38:50forgive me. Labour speaks with one voice on this matter. Though not
0:38:50 > 0:38:54many others. Absolutely, coalfield communities have helped on their
0:38:54 > 0:38:57journey towards revival by investment in woodland cover and my
0:38:57 > 0:39:02right arm of friend the Member for Loughborough has been a hugely
0:39:02 > 0:39:06effective champion for this as well. I know it will be hard but will the
0:39:06 > 0:39:10Secretary of State sign a pledge to give up on any gimmickry in tackling
0:39:10 > 0:39:15things like plastic pollution? He's going to need a lot of allies and
0:39:15 > 0:39:19expertise for the radical revolution he needs. Will he be serious about
0:39:19 > 0:39:31this and get on with the job?Yes. Chris Davies.May I congratulate my
0:39:31 > 0:39:35right or ball friend on the work he has done on the environment but can
0:39:35 > 0:39:41he reassure the farmers of the UK that it is not a case of either
0:39:41 > 0:39:45environment or food production but a partnership of the boats.I couldn't
0:39:45 > 0:39:49put it better myself. Our farmers are the original Friends of the
0:39:49 > 0:39:53Earth and we will not have a healthy environment unless we also support
0:39:53 > 0:39:59those who are our primary food producers and the stewards of our
0:39:59 > 0:40:03beautiful landscapes.How can we be confident of the Government's
0:40:03 > 0:40:07intention to be robust on air quality if we leave the EU when
0:40:07 > 0:40:14they've refused to introduce a diesel scrappage scheme for vehicles
0:40:14 > 0:40:17and insist on promoting runway three at Heathrow?Air quality is
0:40:17 > 0:40:23improving, we have made good progress, but she should welcome the
0:40:23 > 0:40:26initiatives we have taken. This week the House has passed extra powers to
0:40:26 > 0:40:30make sure we get... Reduce the capacity of diesel generators which
0:40:30 > 0:40:40will do a lot to improve air quality across the country.Questions to the
0:40:40 > 0:40:41right