Barry Gardiner MP: written questions
150 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl SubstancesDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 24 Feb 2026AnsweredUIN 115330More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with the Health and Safety Executive on restricting PFAS in specific consumer product groups, as outlined in the PFAS Plan.
Answer: The PFAS Plan published on 3 February 2026 sets out the Government’s approach towards PFAS in consumer articles. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) were involved in the development of the PFAS Plan. Any future UK REACH Restriction would currently invol...
Answered 2 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordBiofuels: Supply ChainsDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 1 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 95584More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help tackle deforestation, air pollution and community health impacts linked to imported biomass supply chains.
Answer: The new Low-Carbon Dispatchable Contract for Difference strengthens environmental protections, and enhances monitoring, reporting and verification of compliance. The government has recently published the common biomass sustainability framework consultatio...
Answered 9 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordBiofuelsDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 1 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 95583More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that new contracts for biomass do not lead to long-term reliance on imported feedstocks.
Answer: It is for generators to ensure they can source sufficient biomass to meet generation requirements and sustainability standards set out in Government support schemes. The new low-carbon dispatchable CfD with Drax incorporates strengthened sustainability st...
Answered 9 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordBiofuels: SubsidiesDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 1 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 95582More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether biomass subsidies are compatible with the recommendations of the Independent Review of the UK's Greenhouse Gas Removal Strategy.
Answer: The Independent Review considered the long-term potential for greenhouse gas removals and recommended that the UK adopt a strategic aim to minimise the use of imported biomass. The sourcing of biomass is a commercial decision for generators. However, unde...
Answered 9 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordLynemouth Power Station: BiofuelsDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 1 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 95581More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure transparency over contract terms agreed with Lynemouth under new low-carbon dispatchable power arrangements.
Answer: We are in discussions with Lynemouth Power Station to assess whether a Low Carbon Dispatchable Contract for Difference agreement could appropriately support security of supply and deliver value for consumers. Should we proceed following a full internal de...
Answered 9 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordDrax Power Station: TimberDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled 1 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 95580More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason the Health and Safety Executive no longer assesses a risk of continuing harm to staff from wood dust exposure at Drax Power Station.
Answer: Under health and safety legislation, it is the operator of the site who has a legal duty to assess and control the health and safety risks to staff and others. There is also an obligation to keep risk assessments and control measures under review. The Hea...
Answered 18 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordDrax Power Station: TimberDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 1 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 95579More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the answer of 21 November 2025 to question 90099, what his evidential basis is for Drax's policy of not sourcing material directly from old growth areas; and whether his Departmen
Answer: The Government’s definition of old-growth forest is set out in the terms of the new Low-Carbon Dispatchable Contract for Difference published by the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) on 1 December. From 2027 there is no reliance on any other definition ...
Answered 9 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordForests: Environment ProtectionDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Nov 2025AnsweredUIN 91282More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether in implementing Schedule 17 of the Environment Act 2021 the government can strengthen the provisions of the Act to include an absolute standard of deforestation rather than foc
Answer: The forest risk commodities regime in the Environment Act 2021 extends only to commodities that are illegally produced. The Government recognises the urgency of taking action to ensure that UK consumption of forest risk commodities is not driving defores...
Answered 20 Nov 2025
Original Parliament recordDrax Power Station: TimberDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 12 Nov 2025AnsweredUIN 90099More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will steps he will take to prevent Drax power station from burning old growth forest wood in its power station between now and 2027.
Answer: We work closely with Ofgem on monitoring environmental regulations and forestry practices in areas where biomass is sourced to ensure the sustainability of the feedstock coming to the UK. In October 2023 Drax adopted a policy of not sourcing material dire...
Answered 21 Nov 2025
Original Parliament recordFossil fuels: Carbon emissionsTreasuryTabled 12 Nov 2025AnsweredUIN 90098More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure that the UK listings requirements for fossil fuel companies are consistent with (a) the Supreme Court ruling in Finch v Surrey County Council and (b) the International Court of Jus
Answer: Last year, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) delivered an ambitious modernisation of the UK’s listing rules, to bring the UK in line with international best practice. From 19 January 2026, the UK’s new Prospectus regime will cut the paperwork firms ne...
Answered 20 Nov 2025
Original Parliament recordClimate ChangeTreasuryTabled 12 Nov 2025AnsweredUIN 90097More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure that the new UK listing regime is aligned with climate and net zero policies, while maintaining investor protection and market integrity.
Answer: Last year, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) delivered an ambitious modernisation of the UK’s listing rules, to bring the UK in line with international best practice. From 19 January 2026, the UK’s new Prospectus regime will cut the paperwork firms ne...
Answered 20 Nov 2025
Original Parliament recordFossil Fuels: Climate ChangeTreasuryTabled 12 Nov 2025AnsweredUIN 90096More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the Financial Conduct Authority on strengthening climate-related disclosure requirements within IPO documentation for fossil fuel companies.
Answer: Last year, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) delivered an ambitious modernisation of the UK’s listing rules, to bring the UK in line with international best practice. From 19 January 2026, the UK’s new Prospectus regime will cut the paperwork firms ne...
Answered 20 Nov 2025
Original Parliament recordOffice for Environmental Protection: Public AppointmentsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 21 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 83718More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what reason the recruitment process to appoint a new Chair of the Office For Environmental Protection has not yet commenced.
Answer: Defra has initiated the internal process for appointing a new Chair of the Office for Environmental Protection, which includes consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, and relevant Select Committe...
Answered 28 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordFossil Fuels: LicensingDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 17 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 82942More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to bring forward primary legislation to ban new oil and gas licences.
Answer: The Government has committed to not issue new licences to explore new fields while managing existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan. On 1 October, the Secretary of State announced legislation to end new onshore oil and gas licensing in England....
Answered 27 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordFossil Fuels: LicensingDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 17 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 82941More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the provisions of the Marine Policy Statement 2011 in the context of achieving his Department’s policy on new oil and gas licencing.
Answer: In March, the Government consulted on its commitment not to issue new licences to explore new fields. The Marine Policy Statement was published in 2011 under a previous government. It includes support for oil and gas exploration. Subject to the outcome of...
Answered 27 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNational ParksDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 82940More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of (a) amending the Protected Landscapes duty under section 245 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, (b) publishing suppo
Answer: We are working with a range of partners to consider the impact of the Protected Landscapes Duty. The duty is intended to facilitate better outcomes for England’s Protected Landscapes, which are in line with their statutory purposes. In December, Governmen...
Answered 23 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordSeafood: ImportsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 82939More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance her Department has provided to (a) the Marine Management Organisation and (b) port health authorities on applying a risk-based approach to identifying seafood consignment
Answer: The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) provides training and guidance to port health authorities (PHAs) on implementing the UK’s IUU Regulation, which PHAs apply through their local risk-based approaches. Where concerns arise, the MMO engages with third...
Answered 28 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordSeafood: ImportsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 82938More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to adopt a digitised catch certificate scheme that is interoperable with the EU’s new CATCH IT system for (a) receiving and (b) processing seafood catch ce
Answer: The UK will be updating the information required on catch certificates this year. These changes will focus on ensuring the robustness of the data on traceability measures and will ensure that UK exporters can continue to re-export seafood originating from...
Answered 29 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordSeafood: ImportsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 82937More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the risk that seafood imports from (a) China, (b) Russia and (c) countries yellow-carded by the EU may be linked to (i) illegal, unreported a
Answer: The UK has retained the Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Regulation following its departure from the EU and continues to apply its provisions. While the UK has not formally adopted the EU’s carding system, it does enforce import bans on s...
Answered 29 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordSeafood: ImportsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 82936More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of adopting an EU-style carding system to (a) warn and (b) sanction states that are not sufficiently tackling illegal, unreported
Answer: The UK has retained the Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Regulation following its departure from the EU and continues to apply its provisions. While the UK has not formally adopted the EU’s carding system, it does enforce import bans on s...
Answered 29 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordSeafood: ImportsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 82935More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to update the catch certificate system for seafood imports to mirror upcoming changes being made by the EU to its catch certificate scheme.
Answer: The UK will be updating the information required on catch certificates this year. These changes will focus on ensuring the robustness of the data on traceability measures and will ensure that UK exporters can continue to re-export seafood originating from...
Answered 29 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordSeafood: ImportsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 82934More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the trends in the number of verifications of catch certificates accompanying seafood imports undertaken by UK authorities.
Answer: Defra and the Marine Management Organisation work closely with Devolved Governments, Local Authorities and Port Health Authorities to ensure illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing documentary checks are completed at the border and appropriate v...
Answered 28 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordGeoengineering: Seas and OceansDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled 17 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 82933More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with the Advanced Research and Invention Agency on marine geoengineering.
Answer: As set out in ARIA’s Framework Agreement, ARIA has unique operational freedoms, including over its research and project choice and its procedures. This independence allows ARIA to take bold steps to better understand the world we live in, and the Governme...
Answered 23 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordInternational Maritime Organization: ConferencesDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 82932More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to send a delegation to the (a) 47th Consultative Meeting of Contracting Parties to the London Convention and (b) 20th Meeting of Contracting Parties to the London Pr
Answer: The 47th Consultative Meeting of Contracting Parties to the London Convention and 20th Meeting of Contracting Parties to the London Protocol will take place from 27-31 October 2025. The UK will send a delegation.
Answered 23 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordSeas and Oceans: GeoengineeringDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 82931More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her policy is on marine geo-engineering.
Answer: Marine-based GGR techniques present potential environmental risks that need to be managed alongside potential climate benefits. Our priorities are developing the evidence base and establishing a science-based framework for regulation of these techniques.
Answered 23 Oct 2025
Original Parliament record
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