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.

Login

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

 

More on Politics

Steel quotas and tariffs to put further strain on farmers, warns agricultural manufacturer IAE

Steel quotas and tariffs to put further strain on farmers, warns agricultural manufacturer IAE

The firm has highlighted the challenges facing British manufacturing following the introduction of new steel quotas and tariffs set to take effect from July 1

Alex Black
clock 08 May 2026 • 3 min read
All change for Welsh farmers as Labour concedes defeat

All change for Welsh farmers as Labour concedes defeat

Plaid Cymru and Reform UK battle it out as count gets underway

clock 08 May 2026 • 3 min read
OPINION: Does Sir Keir Starmer regret battle with farmers on IHT?

OPINION: Does Sir Keir Starmer regret battle with farmers on IHT?

Local election results across the country so far have indicated unpopular policies such as Inheritance Tax are coming back to bite the Prime Minister and the Labour Party

Chris Brayford
clock 08 May 2026 • 4 min read