Thérèse Coffey to be quizzed by MPs on the work of DEFRA 24/10/23

20 Oct 2023

On Tuesday, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee will question the Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, and the Department’s Permanent Secretary, Tamara Finkelstein.

The session will scrutinise the most pressing topics currently in DEFRA’s remit, including issues around food security and inflation, flood preparedness and coastal erosion, biodiversity, borders and biosecurity and the UK’s trade agreements.

MPs will probe the many issues relating to the water sector, including water quality, regulation and enforcement, sewage discharges into rivers and coastal areas, and they will also investigate the prospect of higher household water bills.

EFRA will explore the issues around nutrient neutrality regulations and maintaining environmental protections, in connection with housebuilding and development plans.

The Committee will examine subjects of importance to the agricultural sector, covering the implementation of Environmental Land Management schemes, risks from avian flu and other diseases, the potential for vaccination of poultry, and the serious difficulties facing tenant farmers.

Watch live on parliament.tv

Tuesday 24 October in Committee Room 6, Palace of Westminster

At 14:30:

• The Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

• Tamara Finkelstein, Permanent Secretary, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs