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To ask His Majesty's Government why they do not publish data on greenhouse gas emissions embedded within the supply chain of (1) energy intensive goods, (2) car batteries, and (3) solar panels, imported into the UK.
To ask His Majesty's Government why they do not publish data on greenhouse gas emissions embedded within the supply chain of (1) energy intensive goods, (2) car batteries, and (3) solar panels, imported into the UK.
Defra publishes annual data on greenhouse gas emissions embedded within goods and services imported into the UK here (see attached) as part of the UK and England’s Carbon Footprint.
Because of the methodology used, Defra does not hold data on these emissions at an individual product level, so the department is unable to publish estimates of greenhouse gas emissions embedded specifically within the supply chains of energy intensive goods, car batteries, and solar panels, imported into the UK.
For further information, a methodology document is published alongside the UK and England’s Carbon Footprint statistics here (see attached).
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to ban the import of any poultry, eggs or other poultry by-products that were produced using any type of cage system for the keeping of poultry.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to ban the import of any poultry, eggs or other poultry by-products that were produced using any type of cage system for the keeping of poultry.
This Government shares the public’s high regard for the UK’s environmental protections, food standards and animal welfare.
Imports into the UK must comply with UK’s existing import requirements. Products produced to different environmental and animal welfare standards can be placed on the UK market if they comply with these requirements. This has always been the case and includes products from the EU and other longstanding trading partners.
This Government will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage and any impact that may have. Where necessary, this Government will be prepared to use the full range of powers at its disposal to protect the UK’s most sensitive sectors.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to ensure eggs imported into the UK will continue to meet the same food safety, traceability and hen welfare standards during the transition to cage-free systems.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to ensure eggs imported into the UK will continue to meet the same food safety, traceability and hen welfare standards during the transition to cage-free systems.
As set out in the UK’s trade strategy, the Government will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage. Where necessary, the Government will be prepared to use the full range of powers at the Government’s disposal to protect the UK’s most sensitive sectors.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of measures requiring checks of large, mature tree imports as part of the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement on preventing the introduction of novel pests or pathogens.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of measures requiring checks of large, mature tree imports as part of the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement on preventing the introduction of novel pests or pathogens.
The Government is currently negotiating a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement to make agrifood trade with our biggest market cheaper and easier, cutting costs and removing trade barriers for British producers and retailers. While those negotiations are ongoing, the government cannot comment further on the SPS agreement, but it will mean the UK will work jointly with the EU on threats to the UK’s biosecurity.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce a set of core standards for agri-food imports to ensure both fair competition for farmers and quality for consumers.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce a set of core standards for agri-food imports to ensure both fair competition for farmers and quality for consumers.
The Government shares the public’s high regard for the UK’s environmental protections, food standards and animal welfare.
As set out in the UK’s Trade Strategy, the Government will not lower food standards and will uphold high animal welfare standards. Defra recognises concerns about methods of production which are not permitted in the UK.
While production methods vary in line with different climates, diseases and other contextual reasons, the Government will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage and any impact that may have. Where necessary, we will be prepared to use the full range of powers at our disposal to protect our most sensitive sectors.
This reflects the Government’s commitment to uphold our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food safety standards, areas in which the UK is a world leader.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether imports of lamb from New Zealand and other countries meet animal welfare standards required of domestic producers.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether imports of lamb from New Zealand and other countries meet animal welfare standards required of domestic producers.
I refer the Noble Baroness to the reply given on 25 February 2026 to Question UIN HL14606.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that imported food products meet the same animal welfare standards as those which are domestically produced.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that imported food products meet the same animal welfare standards as those which are domestically produced.
All agri-food products must comply with our import requirements in order to be placed on the UK market. This includes ensuring that imported meat products have been slaughtered to animal welfare standards equivalent to our domestic standards.
The Government shares the public’s high regard for the high welfare standards we have in this country. As set out in the UK’s Trade Strategy, we will not lower food standards and will uphold high animal welfare standards.
The Government recognises concerns about methods of production which are not permitted in the UK. While production methods vary in line with different climates, diseases and other contextual reasons, the Government will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage and any impact that may have. Where necessary, we will be prepared to use the full range of powers at our disposal to protect our most sensitive sectors.
My Lords, the Timber in Construction Roadmap was updated and relaunched in February 2025. It sets out how we can increase the use of timber in construction. We are working in partnership with timber industries, government bodies and stakeholders to address the barriers to greater timber use. Our collaboration focuses on developing best practices, researching innovative timber products and increasing the circularity of timber construction supply chains.
My Lords, the Timber in Construction Roadmap was updated and relaunched in February 2025. It sets out how we can increase the use of timber in construction. We are working in partnership with timber industries, government bodies and stakeholders to address the barriers to greater timber use. Our collaboration focuses on developing best practices, researching innovative timber products and increasing the circularity of timber construction supply chains.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the use of timber in the construction industry as a low-carbon building material.
The noble Lord is right that we import the vast majority of our timber and wood products, and this makes us the second largest net importer in the world after China. The Government believe that this needs to change. We want to increase the domestic timber market, and we are investing £1 billion in tree-planting and support to the forestry sector over this Parliament. As part of developing the new tree-planting programme, we have been working with our delivery partners and grant schemes to look at how we can increase conifer planting to support domestic softwood timber production.
The noble Lord is right that we import the vast majority of our timber and wood products, and this makes us the second largest net importer in the world after China. The Government believe that this needs to change. We want to increase the domestic timber market, and we are investing £1 billion in tree-planting and support to the forestry sector over this Parliament. As part of developing the new tree-planting programme, we have been working with our delivery partners and grant schemes to look at how we can increase conifer planting to support domestic softwood timber production.
My Lords, this country imports 73% of the timber we need for construction, despite having one of the best climates in the world for growing softwoods. Natural England and the Forestry Commission have jointly expressed dismay that only 10% of our tree-planting over the last 10 years has been a productive softwood species we need and that our planting targets overall are unambitious. Given the many benefits of establishing new woods, including commercial softwoods, what will the Government do to rectify this disappointing situation? I know what the Minister has said about the action plan, but will she give us a guarantee that they can cut the regulations and red tape that are impeding many planting schemes?
We need to move forward by looking at how we can further support the use of timber in housebuilding and how we can support housebuilders in that process. We have already undertaken action, including through the modern methods of construction sector. We have reformed the planning system, and tried to unblock stalled housing sites and increase the supply of affordable homes. We have published a publicly available specification for residential modern methods of construction to give greater clarity around the insurance and warranties market, which is important in this space, and to support the delivery of quality homes. In December, we launched an expression of interest for ambitious local authorities to work with us and industry partners to develop pattern books of standard house designs. These will help support growth and investment, as well deliver homes more quickly.
We need to move forward by looking at how we can further support the use of timber in housebuilding and how we can support housebuilders in that process. We have already undertaken action, including through the modern methods of construction sector. We have reformed the planning system, and tried to unblock stalled housing sites and increase the supply of affordable homes. We have published a publicly available specification for residential modern methods of construction to give greater clarity around the insurance and warranties market, which is important in this space, and to support the delivery of quality homes. In December, we launched an expression of interest for ambitious local authorities to work with us and industry partners to develop pattern books of standard house designs. These will help support growth and investment, as well deliver homes more quickly.
My Lords, can my noble friend confirm that there is distinct reticence among the very big housebuilders to use anything that is not bricks and cement? What are the Government doing to encourage more prefabricated buildings with timber, as the noble Lord, Lord Blencathra mentioned, so that the cost of the buildings is reduced and the buildings are more environmentally friendly?
The road map was an important document on increasing the use of timber. As we go forward with our ambitious housebuilding programme, we need to ensure that the houses we build are as sustainable as they can be. The noble Baroness’s question about reusable timber has to be part of the discussion with housebuilders and the way we move forward.
The road map was an important document on increasing the use of timber. As we go forward with our ambitious housebuilding programme, we need to ensure that the houses we build are as sustainable as they can be. The noble Baroness’s question about reusable timber has to be part of the discussion with housebuilders and the way we move forward.
: My Lords, what measures are the Government introducing to promote the reuse of reclaimed timber in construction projects, as outlined in the 2025 timber road map’s circular economy commitments?
: The noble Lord asks a very interesting question. Those of us who have been involved in working with the construction industry will be aware that there is a quite a large lobby for the use of hemp in this country—I am sure the noble Lord is aware of it. As we move forward with more sustainable building, we have to look at all options, and I am sure we can consider hemp as part of that.
: The noble Lord asks a very interesting question. Those of us who have been involved in working with the construction industry will be aware that there is a quite a large lobby for the use of hemp in this country—I am sure the noble Lord is aware of it. As we move forward with more sustainable building, we have to look at all options, and I am sure we can consider hemp as part of that.
My Lords, hemp is grown in this country and is a fantastic building material that is both carbon negative and sustainable, with fantastic insulation qualities. The French are the largest growers of hemp in Europe and use it an extraordinary amount in construction. Given that 34 miles of rope on HMS “Victory” was made of hemp, how have we let the French steal a march on us and what are the Government going to do about it?
As I mentioned earlier, we do not think the amount of imported timber is the way forward, and we have to change that. The noble Lord said that 10% is homegrown; our figures are that 80% is imported. It is important that we look at how best to turn that around. Importing huge amounts of end-product is not good for our national security, so it is important that we look at how we increase homegrown timber.
As I mentioned earlier, we do not think the amount of imported timber is the way forward, and we have to change that. The noble Lord said that 10% is homegrown; our figures are that 80% is imported. It is important that we look at how best to turn that around. Importing huge amounts of end-product is not good for our national security, so it is important that we look at how we increase homegrown timber.
My Lords, among other important issues, the 2025 national security strategy highlights the need to ensure our supply chains, energy and critical goods. However, the significance of homegrown timber is overlooked, despite the fact that it was declared an essential industry during the Covid pandemic. As we have heard, timber products are vital to construction, infrastructure, housing and logistics. Please can the Minister confirm that timber is now recognised as vital to national security?
I am very happy to congratulate Fera. It does excellent work. When I went to Forest Research, I saw some of the wood
that had, shall we say, unpleasant visitors in it, so I know that both Fera and Forest Research do important work and help biosecurity in this country. I know the noble Baroness is keen for me to visit Fera and I will of course consider that.
I am very happy to congratulate Fera. It does excellent work. When I went to Forest Research, I saw some of the wood
that had, shall we say, unpleasant visitors in it, so I know that both Fera and Forest Research do important work and help biosecurity in this country. I know the noble Baroness is keen for me to visit Fera and I will of course consider that.
My Lords, the Minister will be aware of the work of Fera Science Ltd, in Sand Hutton near York, which examines the wood used in furniture and other products that brings unwelcome visitors to this country, in the form of little insects and beasties. Will she congratulate Fera Science on the work that it does, and would she have occasion to visit in the not too distant future?
The noble Earl is always very quick to talk about the grey squirrel, and rightly so. As he says, we have recently published our plan on grey squirrel management—if any Members are interested, they can find it on the Defra website. At the moment, the main way people manage populations is through culling as best they can. We would prefer to have more humane ways of managing pests. As the noble Earl knows, we are now investing in the scientific research on contraceptives that is taking place. If we can crack that, it would make a huge difference, but I urge noble Lords to read the document.
The noble Earl is always very quick to talk about the grey squirrel, and rightly so. As he says, we have recently published our plan on grey squirrel management—if any Members are interested, they can find it on the Defra website. At the moment, the main way people manage populations is through culling as best they can. We would prefer to have more humane ways of managing pests. As the noble Earl knows, we are now investing in the scientific research on contraceptives that is taking place. If we can crack that, it would make a huge difference, but I urge noble Lords to read the document.
My Lords, the level of afforestation in Great Britain is about 13% and the average in the EU is mid-30%, so it is good to hear about planning for the planting of more trees. The biggest danger to tree-planting remains the grey squirrel. Recently, there was the welcome publication, at last, of the Grey Squirrel Policy Statement, which is the new name for the action plan. Can the Minister give the House some edited highlights of what the Government are doing about the grey squirrel problem?
We need some standardised pattern books. We need a fairly extensive housebuilding programme and we must ensure that those houses are built to a minimum standard of quality. However, I take the noble Lord’s point about the importance of vernacular building in certain places. It is my understanding that, within its planning advice, the MHCLG is looking at how it can best train planning officers as well.
We need some standardised pattern books. We need a fairly extensive housebuilding programme and we must ensure that those houses are built to a minimum standard of quality. However, I take the noble Lord’s point about the importance of vernacular building in certain places. It is my understanding that, within its planning advice, the MHCLG is looking at how it can best train planning officers as well.
I was slightly concerned when the Minister talked about the standardisation of house design. I contend that one of the reasons people are so negative about development is the standardisation of housing estates and designs up and down the country. With that in mind, what more can be done to encourage people to build in the vernacular—thatch and cob, in my part of the world—and, at the same time, improve the knowledge and understanding of local planning officers so that they properly understand the needs and demands of local architecture in the differing parts of our great country?
I am sure the noble Baroness is aware the UK timber regulations prohibit the placing of illegally harvested timber and wood products on the UK market and require the operators to exercise due diligence. The primary objective of the UK timber regulations is to tackle illegal logging and create demand for legally harvested timber, because we do not want to see it driving further deforestation. We are serious about how we manage that, but it is important to point out to the noble Baroness that we are committed to transitioning to a circular economy, in which resources are kept in use longer and waste is designed out. That will bring investment in green jobs and vital infrastructure. We are shortly going to publish our circular economy growth plan, and I urge the noble Baroness to read it.
I am sure the noble Baroness is aware the UK timber regulations prohibit the placing of illegally harvested timber and wood products on the UK market and require the operators to exercise due diligence. The primary objective of the UK timber regulations is to tackle illegal logging and create demand for legally harvested timber, because we do not want to see it driving further deforestation. We are serious about how we manage that, but it is important to point out to the noble Baroness that we are committed to transitioning to a circular economy, in which resources are kept in use longer and waste is designed out. That will bring investment in green jobs and vital infrastructure. We are shortly going to publish our circular economy growth plan, and I urge the noble Baroness to read it.
My Lords, the Minister referred to our high reliance on imports of timber, for both construction and furniture. We have certification schemes that are supposed to mean that timber meets environmental standards and does not abuse the human rights of indigenous people. However, it is often regarded as a tick-box exercise that is just not delivering. Are the Government going to improve those standards and make sure they are actually delivered?
To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the use of timber in the construction industry as a low-carbon building material.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the use of timber in the construction industry as a low-carbon building material.
My Lords, the Timber in Construction Roadmap was updated and relaunched in February 2025. It sets out how we can increase the use of timber in construction. We are working in partnership with timber industries, government bodies and stakeholders to address the barriers to greater timber use. Our collaboration focuses on developing best practices, researching innovative timber products and increasing the circularity of timber construction supply chains.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to assist Ukrainian agricultural producers in maintaining and strengthening access to United Kingdom markets following the recent changes to European Union export quotas and trade measures.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to assist Ukrainian agricultural producers in maintaining and strengthening access to United Kingdom markets following the recent changes to European Union export quotas and trade measures.
Under our Free Trade Agreement with Ukraine, tariffs on all goods are temporarily removed until March 2029, except for poultry and eggs, where the liberalisation is due to end on 31 March 2026.
The UK Government is now considering options for Ukraine’s future access on poultry meat and eggs.
Under the UK-Ukraine Enhanced (100 Year) Partnership Agreement, which was signed in January 2025, the UK has committed to broadening mutual market access and increasing agricultural cooperation between the UK and Ukraine; and providing support to Ukraine’s agricultural transformation, including on food production. The UK is engaging with Ukraine on these commitments and to support the successful development of Ukraine’s agriculture sector.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to conduct a feasibility study on what percentage of imported plants can be grown in the UK; and if so, what steps they will take to develop an action plan for imported productive and ornamental trees.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to conduct a feasibility study on what percentage of imported plants can be grown in the UK; and if so, what steps they will take to develop an action plan for imported productive and ornamental trees.
The Government recognises the importance of imported plants to support domestic horticultural production; and continues to work with the sector through regular engagement with the Environmental Horticulture Group—a coalition of industry leaders from across the sector—to support the production of trees and plants grown in the UK.
In 2024 the UK imported approximately 120 million trees, shrubs and bushes, down from 216 million in 2020. However, during the same period the net mass rose from 43 tonnes to 119 tonnes, indicating an increase in larger plants. We operate a robust, risk-based import regime to manage biosecurity risks and meet World Trade Organisation obligations.
Defra and the Forestry Commission are delivering measures to strengthen domestic tree production, including capital grants, knowledge sharing and sector collaboration. In 2025, up to £7.5 million was awarded through the Tree Production Innovation Fund, Seed Sourcing Grant and Tree Production Capital Grant. These initiatives ensure a reliable supply of high-quality, biosecure trees to meet the UK’s planting ambitions.
The Forestry Commission also publishes the annual Tree Supply Report, which shows that in 2024 more than 161 million saplings were grown in British forest nurseries.