51AVÊÓÆµ

Defra 'failing' to meet performance standards in responding to parliamentary questions

The Procedure Committee said Defra has not met the threshold target of responding to MPs' written parliamentary questions since 2023

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Defra Secretary Steve Reed: "We had 2,000 parliamentary questions a year in 2021/22, but since last July, when I became Defra Secretary, we have had 4,000 parliamentary questions."
Image:

Defra Secretary Steve Reed: "We had 2,000 parliamentary questions a year in 2021/22, but since last July, when I became Defra Secretary, we have had 4,000 parliamentary questions."

Defra is 'underperforming' when it comes to responding to MPs' written parliamentary questions, a Government Select Committee has revealed. Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith chaired a Procedure Committee...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Last orders for Great British rural pubs without business rate relief

Last orders for Great British rural pubs without business rate relief

Could beloved pubs in farming communities, which play an invaluable role in tackling rural isolation, be about to close without a U-turn on business rate relief? What will be left for those who rely on them for warmth, friendship and a sense of community?

Chris Brayford
clock 08 January 2026 • 6 min read
CLA pledges to fight on against family farm tax

CLA pledges to fight on against family farm tax

The group called for the proposed Inheritance Tax changes to be reversed in full

Alex Black
clock 08 January 2026 • 1 min read
Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds says 'that is it' for IHT changes

Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds says 'that is it' for IHT changes

Emma Reynolds told the Oxford Farming Conference there would be no more changes following the adjustments announced pre-Christmas

clock 08 January 2026 • 3 min read