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Tag: 2025

  • PRESS RELEASE : Cuts to red tape to make great British staycations cheaper [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Cuts to red tape to make great British staycations cheaper [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 7 April 2025.

    Consultation aims to cut costs of UK staycations for families and small businesses.

    •  New plans to help UK tourism businesses offer better deals and value-for-money packages
    • Plan for Change to cut outdated regulations will allow hotels, attractions, and restaurants to collaborate more easily
    • Families planning their summer holidays will have more choice, better prices, and greater convenience

    The UK’s travel industry is set for a boost as the Government unveils plans to cut red tape as part of its Plan for Change, and make it easier for businesses to offer package deals, giving consumers better value and supporting growth across the tourism sector.

    The measures being looked at in a consultation, could remove barriers that currently prevent small businesses including B&Bs and restaurants from working together to create tailored UK holiday experiences. The measures if implemented, could boost the travel sector and help grow the staycation economy right across the country.

    The proposals will support the domestic travel market to go for growth by giving families and travellers more affordable, flexible, and convenient options for their staycations.

    The proposed measures will make it easier for businesses to bundle offers together, helping hotels, attractions, and restaurants team up to provide exclusive deals.

    • For example, a B&B in the Lake District that may not be able to offer dinner, could team up with a nearby restaurant or pub to offer a discount on an evening meal when purchased together with the room booking.
    • Or a campsite in Cornwall could be able to offer discounts and deals for the local surf school.
    • But it could also apply to trips in towns and cities too, with tourists staying in a London-based hotel could offer discounted show tickets when they refer a consumer who has booked a room with them.

    It will aim to support businesses through measures like setting a time limit for third parties to provide redress to organisers and improving the flexibility of insolvency protection provisions for non-flight packages.

    For UK holidaymakers, these changes will give families better staycation options to help them plan summer holidays. Instead of booking everything separately, these measures would make it easier for consumers to access tailored packages that combine great accommodation with exciting local experiences.

    Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, Justin Madders, said:

    “Right now, a British hotel, local attraction, and restaurant can’t offer a joint deal without jumping through regulatory hoops – and that’s frankly ridiculous. As part of our Plan for Change, we’re fixing that.

    “These common-sense changes will help small businesses, boost British tourism, and give families more choice when booking a staycation. More options, better value, and a stronger UK economy.”

    The 12 week consultation will seek input from businesses and industry leaders on how best to implement these reforms.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 58 – UK Closing Statement [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 58 – UK Closing Statement [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 April 2025.

    UK Closing Statement for the 58th HRC. Delivered in Geneva.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    The UK remains fully committed to implementing the Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights. In respect of the resolution L.7 on the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights, the UK notes that States take different approaches, appropriate to the constitutions of their country, to implement the Covenant. The Covenant binds the UK in international law but is unincorporated. Unincorporated treaties are not justiciable domestically so UK courts would not normally contribute to identifying gaps in legislation in respect of Covenant rights. The UK continues to progressively realise the rights recognised in the Covenant through a combination of legislation and administrative measures, in accordance with Article 2 (1) of the Covenant.

    The UK also notes that Article 2 (1) of the Covenant accommodates different States’ resources through the progressive realisation of Covenant rights. International human rights law does not, however, accommodate the notion of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, which is a concept set out in certain international environmental treaties. Any attempt to imply that concept forms part of international human rights law, in resolution L.26 Rev.1 on the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, is a mischaracterisation of the law. The UK recognises that the Paris Agreement will be implemented to reflect equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances. The UK remains committed to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), the Paris Agreement, and to accelerating action in this critical decade on the basis of the best available science, in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.

    The UK thanks for the core groups for their constructive engagement on both resolutions.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Hundreds of quangos to be examined for potential closure as Government takes back control [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Hundreds of quangos to be examined for potential closure as Government takes back control [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 7 April 2025.

    Every quango across government will be reviewed, with a view to close, merge or bring functions back into departments if its continued existence cannot be justified.

    • The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has written to departments to justify every quango otherwise they’ll be closed, merged, or have powers brought back into the department.
    • Changes will drive efficiency and reduce bureaucracy as part of Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, delivering security and renewal for working people.
    • New era of global instability means Government must go further and faster in reform.
    • Government will consider what legislation may be required to deliver these reforms.

    Every quango across government will be reviewed, with a view to close, merge or bring functions back into departments if its continued existence cannot be justified.

    The review, commissioned by the Cabinet Office at the request of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is the latest move to re-wire Whitehall and produce a more productive and agile state. It is part of our Plan for Change, delivering security for working people and national renewal.

    This follows news last month that NHS England will be brought back into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to put an end to the duplication resulting from two organisations doing the same job in a system currently holding staff back from delivering for patients.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden MP said:

    We are taking action to ensure decisions of national importance that affect everyone in this country are made by those who have been elected to do so.

    Only by fundamentally re-wiring the state, can we deliver our Plan for Change to secure Britain’s future and serve working people; kick-starting economic growth, rebuilding the NHS and strengthening our borders.

    The review will aim to drive out waste and inefficiency across Whitehall, reducing duplication and bureaucracy – saving the taxpayer money and cutting the cost of ‘doing government’.

    It is expected that quangos with large policy functions could be brought back into departments, bringing ministerial, elected, scrutiny back to major decisions that affect the public. This would also retain the expertise and experience of staff working in these areas.

    All departments must demonstrate the necessity of each one, operating under the presumption that these bodies will be affected unless there is compelling justification for their separate existence.

    Where independence from Ministerial decision making is essential, such as quangos which scrutinise government or protect the rule of law, then these will remain unaffected.

    The Cabinet Secretary and departmental Secretaries of State and Permanent Secretaries will be held directly accountable for the Arms Length Body (ALBs) that continue to exist following the review.

    The review will consider four key principles:

    • Ministerial policy oversight – if a policy is of national importance then Ministers should have appropriate oversight and control of its development. Major decisions that affect the country and the public should be taken by those elected by the country to do so.
    • Duplication and Efficiency – government should drive out duplication and inefficiency wherever possible, this includes if there is duplication of policy or delivery work between ALBs and Ministerial departments.
    • Stakeholder Management – the fact that government needs to engage stakeholders should not be a reason for an ALB to exist, government itself should be working hard to engage with a variety of partners at every stage.
    • Independent Advice – where there is a clear justification for independent advice, then this should be conducted at arms length.

    Many ALBs are set up in legislation, and previous work to deliver these changes has been hampered by the difficulty in updating and changing individual pieces of ALB legislation. As part of this work, the Government will consider what legislation may be required to ensure the reviews announced today can be implemented and delivered upon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Consultation launched to cut red tape for asset managers and boost growth [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Consultation launched to cut red tape for asset managers and boost growth [April 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 7 April 2025.

    Red tape will be cut for asset managers, as the Chancellor goes further and faster to drive growth through the Plan for Change.

    • Consultation launched to simplify regulation for Alternative Investment Fund Managers.
    • Changes are expected to save asset managers time and money, while enhancing the UK’s appeal as a premier destination for capital management.
    • Continues action to cut red tape and reduce the burden of regulation on businesses, to go further and faster to drive growth and put more money into people’s pockets through Plan for Change.

    Following the Prime Minister’s commitment to cut the administrative cost of regulation on business by a quarter last month, the Treasury will consult on changes to rules governing Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFMs).

    It will be focused on removing unnecessary barriers to investment by making rules less onerous for AIFMs. This will save asset managers millions in time, money and resource – while freeing them to help the UK’s most exciting businesses scale up, grow and create jobs.

    Emma Reynolds, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said:

    We want to bring security to working people by going further and faster to drive growth through our Plan for Change.

    That means making Britain the number one place to do business and tearing down unnecessary barriers to investment, such as costly regulation that prevents asset management firms from growing and provide capital for businesses across the country to grow.

    Simon Walls, Interim Executive Director of Markets at the FCA, said:

    We want rules, better tailored to UK investment managers. These could allow them to operate more efficiently, further supporting competition, competitiveness and economic growth.

    It’s part of our wider work to streamline the regulatory regime for asset managers, to support the continued competitiveness of our world-leading financial services as outlined in our new strategy.

    Michael Moore, Chief Executive of the British Venture Capital Association, said:

    We welcome the government’s consultation on developing a simpler and more competitive system for alternative investment fund managers (AIFMs). More effective, less burdensome regulation will make the UK private capital industry more globally competitive and help it to boost investment from the UK and international investors into growing British businesses.

    This consultation is an important step in securing the UK’s status as one of the world’s leading private capital hubs. We look forward to engaging on the principles and the detail of the changes, but this provides the opportunity to create a real boost for the Government’s growth mission by developing the UK’s private capital fund ecosystem and increasing inward investment in UK SMEs.

    Together with the FCA we plan to refresh outdated regulatory thresholds. The consultation will take place over the next 9 weeks, providing hedge funds, private equity firms, and investment trusts the opportunity to contribute to the development of a more streamlined regulatory environment.

    Currently, firms face a suite of new regulatory burdens once they hold 100 million euros in assets, which can discourage some firms from growing and financing more investment across the country.

    This inadvertent cliff edge means that smaller asset management firms immediately have to sign up to the same rules as the biggest firms once they reach this threshold, bringing about large costs.

    The consultation aims to create a more graduated regime, where only the largest firms – with the value of over £5 billion are subject to the full scope of requirements, with the majority of firms subject to much less prescriptive rules, helping to reduce admin costs for those businesses.

    Once the consultation has concluded, feedback from the asset management sector will be used to design draft legislation which will then be shared with asset management businesses next year.

    Further information

  • Martin Rhodes – 2025 Parliamentary Question on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

    Martin Rhodes – 2025 Parliamentary Question on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

    The parliamentary question asked by Martin Rhodes, the Labour MP for Glasgow North, in the House of Commons on 3 April 2025.

    Martin Rhodes (Glasgow North) (Lab)

    What discussions she has had with the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company on the 2026 Commonwealth games.

    The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)

    My Department is in regular contact with the organising company, and I was pleased to meet recently with both the CEO and the chair to discuss progress on delivery, at a meeting in my Department and when I was delighted to attend the King’s baton relay launch at Buckingham Palace with His Majesty the King to mark 500 days until the games. The UK has been proud to host the Commonwealth games twice since 2014, and I am delighted that the UK Government have been able to get behind and support Glasgow 2026.

    Martin Rhodes

    I thank the Minister for her response. Does she agree that it is important that the games bring benefits to local communities? What discussions is she having with colleagues in the Scotland Office, the Scottish Government and Glasgow city council to ensure that local communities in Glasgow benefit from the games in 2026?

    Stephanie Peacock

    Of course, I agree with my hon. Friend that it is important that a successful games supports lasting benefits for the city and the region. As I said, I met with the CEO and chair two weeks ago. I was in Edinburgh to meet with my counterpart in the Scottish Government to discuss the games. My team is in close contact with the Scottish Government, the Scotland Office and other delivery partners to understand the games’ ambitions for these wider benefits. The organising company has already confirmed that the games will include £6 million of investment in existing sporting venues, as well as 3,000 trained volunteers and a cultural programme.

    Joe Robertson (Isle of Wight East) (Con)

    The Minister will know the springboard that hosting international events is for the economy, grassroots participation and sporting facilities in the UK. Under the last Government, we secured and hosted a number of major events, with a pipeline of events. What steps are this Government taking to ensure we have that pipeline of major events in the future?

    Stephanie Peacock

    The hon. Member is right to pay tribute to the economic contribution and the huge inspiration of these events. We have a number of exciting events coming up, whether that be rugby or cricket, and the Government are hugely supportive of major events.

  • John Whittingdale – 2025 Parliamentary Question on Use of AI in the Creative Industries

    John Whittingdale – 2025 Parliamentary Question on Use of AI in the Creative Industries

    The parliamentary question asked by John Whittingdale, the Conservative MP for Maldon, in the House of Commons on 3 April 2025.

    Sir John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con)

    What discussions she has had with representatives of the creative industries on the use of AI.

    The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)

    Our creative industries lead the world. This is the top priority for them, and I am clear that if it matters to them, it matters to us, and we are determined to get it right. Since I was appointed, I have discussed this with representatives across music, publishing, film, TV, fashion and gaming. The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and I will shortly convene further roundtables to work with industry across artificial intelligence and the creative industries to strike the right balance and to grip this issue.

    Sir John Whittingdale

    The Secretary of State will be aware of suggestions that the Government may offer concessions around AI regulation in a deal to reduce US tariffs. Will she assure the creative and news media sectors that any negotiations will not include an offer to weaken our copyright framework, which would be opposed by creative industries both in the UK and in the US?

    Lisa Nandy

    Our creatives are second to none in the world, as I just said, and our copyright framework is an essential part of their success. We have been clear that if it does not work for creatives, it does not work for us and we will not do it. On negotiations with the United States, the Prime Minister has been clear that this is the start of the process, but we will always work in the national interest, and we are considering all steps as we look to the future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New hydrogen power projects to boost growth [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New hydrogen power projects to boost growth [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 7 April 2025.

    A new wave of hydrogen powered projects have been shortlisted today to help cut emissions and create thousands of jobs in the UK’s industrial heartlands.

    • 27 hydrogen projects advance to next stage of government’s flagship hydrogen programme
    • innovative projects support hydrogen use in new clean power generation, glass manufacturing, brick making, and sustainable aviation fuel production
    • paves way for thousands of clean energy jobs in manufacturing communities, delivering on the Plan for Change by unlocking growth

    A new wave of hydrogen powered projects have been shortlisted today (Monday 7 April) to help cut emissions and create thousands of jobs in the UK’s industrial heartlands – driving growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Twenty-seven hydrogen projects have been selected for the next stage of the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2) – supporting low-carbon hydrogen production in the UK. The industry has the potential to attract over £1 billion of private sector investment into the UK by 2029, supporting the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower.

    Hydrogen will help deliver a new era of clean energy across the UK and decarbonise emission-intensive industries. It has already attracted £400 million of private sector investment in towns and cities such as Milford Haven in Wales and High Marnham in Nottinghamshire, and is creating over 700 direct jobs in construction and operations.

    Government support for hydrogen will help create thousands more jobs in the sector and reindustrialising the UK’s proud manufacturing regions. This includes roles for apprentices, graduates and technically trained professionals, such as engineers, welders, skilled construction workers, pipefitters and operations specialists.

    Today’s shortlist includes projects that could use hydrogen to help tackle the climate crisis by decarbonising their manufacturing and industrial practices, including ammonia production, new clean power generation, glass manufacturing, brick making, and sustainable aviation fuel production.

    Industry Minister Sarah Jones, said:

     We are deploying hydrogen at a commercial scale for the first time – not just investing in a technology – but investing in British jobs, our proud manufacturing communities and our energy security.

    From distilleries and sustainable aviation fuel to public transport and clean energy  generation, hydrogen can power our everyday life and unlock clean energy growth across the country as part of our Plan for Change.

    Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in a zero-carbon fuel that can be used for power generation, transport  and industrial processes.

    This builds on the success of the First Hydrogen Allocation Round which saw 11 projects being allocated over £2 billion in government funding. One recipient, Whitelee Green Hydrogen in Scotland, will produce hydrogen for the Inchdairnie Whiskey distillery which intends to sustainably distil whisky by 2027.

    Stretching across England, Scotland, and Wales, this latest wave of shortlisted HAR2 projects showcases the government’s commitment to create skilled jobs and establish clean energy hubs across Great Britain. The HAR2 shortlist could lead to projects that help support strong supply chains and the delivery of the clean energy superpower mission.

    Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association, said:

    This much-anticipated announcement brings vital clarity to the UK’s hydrogen sector, providing a crucial boost for projects that will drive forward the country’s low-carbon transition.

    The funding support offered through HAR2 gives our members and the wider industry the confidence to gear up for delivery, unlocking investment, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.

    This is great news – not just for the hydrogen sector but for the UK’s ambition to become energy secure and a global leader in clean energy.

    Clare Jackson, CEO of Hydrogen UK, said:

    We’re thrilled to see many Hydrogen UK members succeed in the second Hydrogen Allocation Round, marking a crucial step for scaling electrolytic hydrogen.

    This progress builds on valuable lessons from past rounds and strengthens UK leadership in clean energy – reinforcing the sector’s crucial role in economic growth and energy security.

    Case studies

    In December 2023, the government announced an initial 11 projects from the First Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1), totalling 124 MW of production capacity.

    Five of these projects have signed their contracts, including the Bradford Low Carbon project in Yorkshire and the Cromarty Hydrogen Project in northeast Scotland.

    The Bradford Low Carbon project, in the heart of the city centre, will use renewable electricity to power a 10.6 MW alkaline electrolyser. Being developed by Hygen and Ryze, it will supply the mobility sector, including JCB diggers and Wrightbus – which developed the world’s first hydrogen powered bus.

    The Cromarty Hydrogen Project is being developed by Scottish Power and Storegga. It will use electricity from nearby wind farms to power an 11 MW electrolyser, supplying hydrogen to local industries, including distilleries.

    Notes to editors

    The full list of shortlisted projects can be found here: Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2): shortlisted projects.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Panama – Greg Houston [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Panama – Greg Houston [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 April 2025.

    Mr Greg Houston has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Panama in succession to Mr James Dauris.  Mr Houston will take up his appointment during July 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Greg Houston

    Year Role
    2022 to present Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Deputy Director and Head of Migration Department
    2020 to 2022 FCDO, Deputy Head North America Department
    2017 to 2020 Bogotá, Deputy Head of Mission
    2013 to 2017 Rome, Political Counsellor
    2011 to 2013 Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), Head of EU Strategy
    2007 to 2011 UK Representation to the EU in Brussels, First Secretary, EU Budget
    2006 to 2007 UK Representation to the EU in Brussels, Second Secretary, EU Customs
    2005 to 2006 Brussels, European Commission, Intern
    2005 Joined FCO
  • PRESS RELEASE : Passenger experience put first in multimillion pound competition driving rail innovation [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Passenger experience put first in multimillion pound competition driving rail innovation [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 7 April 2025.

    The First of a Kind competition boosts innovation on the railways, improving passenger experience through cutting-edge technology.

    • £5 million government funding drives pioneering technology to improve passenger experience, encouraging more people to choose rail and supporting economic growth as part of the Plan for Change
    • First of a Kind competition will support projects that can offer level boarding, greener transport, passenger safety and AI solutions
    • previous winners’ projects are already being used on the railways improving efficiency, safety and reliability

    Delivering on its promise to put passengers first, the Department for Transport (DfT) has made £5 million funding available to winning projects as part of the First of a Kind (FOAK) competition.

    Opening today (7 April 2025), in partnership with Innovate UK, the First of a Kind competition offers grant funding for innovative projects to be tested on the railway, to give them a better chance at being bought by train operators, freight companies and Network Rail. This will help to deliver better services for passengers, encouraging more people to take the train and supporting growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    For the first time since starting the competition, Innovate UK consulted closely with industry to identify the top challenges it faces. Given the clear direction of the Transport Secretary to put passengers at the heart of every journey, this year’s competition will be funding projects that focus on:

    • passenger experience, particularly improving safety through reporting tools that could help reduce violence against women and girls and anti-social behaviour
    • accessibility, including level boarding
    • artificial intelligence (AI) and data collection, for example, prevention and recovery of rail bridge crash incidents
    • greener railways, using AI to drive sustainability and reduce waste

    Level boarding – meaning passengers who need assistance can board unaided – is one of the key issues that mean disabled people need assistance to get from street to seat. Accessibility is a core priority for this government and will be a central mission for Great British Railways and FOAK funding will help make these improvements happen.

    Everyone should feel confident they will be safe when travelling by train. The government’s Plan for Change commits to cracking down on anti-social behaviour, raising standards and driving up confidence in the police. DfT is driving this forward by funding projects that will address safety on the railways, for example, tools to report anti-social behaviour, or addressing challenges that influence travel choices for example violence against women and girls stopping women from taking trains late at night.

    Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

    This competition addresses the biggest challenges facing the rail industry, taking cutting-edge technology and bringing it onto the railways by turning ideas into reality.

    This funding builds a platform for boosting innovation on the railway, giving new technologies a chance to succeed, supporting economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    We are creating a railway that works better for the people who use it and making lasting progress for passengers and freight by improving accessibility, safety and reliability to prevent disruption before it happens.

    This £5 million of government funding will help to address one of the key challenges organisations with new innovative ideas face, which is securing funding and being able to demonstrate that their projects work. The First of a Kind competition, over the 8 years it has been running, has provided £58 million of funding to 179 successful projects.

    For example, one successful project that’s already been widely taken up on the railways is Trains with Brains, an AI sensor onboard trains that monitors where maintenance on the tracks is needed and reports on infrastructure defects that need fixing, making the network safer, more efficient and more reliable.

    Another project, One Big Circle, using AI allowing users to monitor things like track conditions and electrical faults online, won the King’s Award for Innovation.

    The Secretary of State has also made strategic innovation one of the 5 areas of focus for Shadow Great British Railways, bringing together leaders of DfT, Department for Transport Operator and Network Rail. Work has already started with GBRX, an innovation body sitting under Network Rail challenging and changing the historically slow adoption of new innovations. GBRX is already convening industry and academia to collaborate more effectively and embrace new technology.

    Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, said

    The innovations sought through this competition will help create a more accessible, safer and efficient railway system throughout the UK.

    The competition highlights the importance of collaboration with industry partners to deliver high-maturity demonstration to ensure seamless integration into the existing railway infrastructure.

    Delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of the Department for Transport, the competition aims to identify and support outstanding, innovative solutions. In previous rounds, companies from across the UK have demonstrated the creativity and impact of their ideas through live demonstrations.

    The competition opens today and organisations will have until 28 May to submit their projects.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Former NFU President and farmer Baroness Minette Batters appointed by Defra to lead Farm Profitability Review [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Former NFU President and farmer Baroness Minette Batters appointed by Defra to lead Farm Profitability Review [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 7 April 2025.

    Crossbench peer, Baroness Batters appointed by the Secretary of State to provide recommendations on farm profitability.

    The new appointment by Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed will see Baroness Batters providing recommendations on farm profitability both to him and the Farming Minister.

    Listening to farmers and growers will be at the heart of Baroness Batters’ work, covering all land areas and sectors of the industry, as well as engaging with other government departments whose work impacts farmers.

    She will provide short, medium and long term recommendations and propose actions for government and industry that will support farming profitability as part of this government’s New Deal for Farmers.

    This work will be supported by the newly formed Profitability Unit within Defra.

    Baroness Batters’ review will also help the development of the food strategy, farming roadmap and the Land Use Framework, and build on other work such as the review of Defra’s regulatory landscape led by Dan Corry.

    Her aim is to help ensure our farming sector is more viable, self-sustaining and competitive in the long-term.

    Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, said:

    Backing British farmers is the backbone of all work to support rural economic growth and boost Britain’s food security.

    We have taken strong action to protect the future of the sector with the New Deal for Farmers. But we must go further and faster as part of our Plan for Change to put money into the pockets of farmers and drive growth.

    That is why I am delighted to appoint Baroness Batters, and her years of experience as a leader during a time of great change in British agriculture make her uniquely placed to provide recommendations on tackling the deep-rooted problems holding the sector back and support farmers’ long-term profits.

    Baroness Minette Batters said:

    I will leave no stone unturned in trying to find solutions to boost farm profitability. But we should be under no illusions how difficult this work will be. There will not be one ‘silver bullet’ to fire but I’m hopeful this review can make a difference to a sector that produces the nation’s food, underpins the rural economy and delivers so much for the environment.

    I’m pleased to be appointed to lead this review and look forward to working with farmers and growers to provide recommendations to government, food retailers, processors and manufacturers.

    The appointment is one of a number of actions that the government is taking to improve the profitability of farmers, including through fair competition in the supply chain, ensuring planning reforms make it quicker for farmers to build the buildings they need on their farms, and helping farmer diversify income streams and make additional money from selling surplus energy from solar panels and wind turbines by accelerating connections to the grid.

    As set out in the Plan for Change, the government is focused on supporting our farmers, rural economic growth and boosting Britain’s food security and are going further to develop a 25-year farming roadmap to make the sector more profitable in the decades to come.

    Notes to editors

    • Baroness Batters will begin her role on 7 April 2025.
    • The appointment will be for a period of six months with recommendations provided to the Secretary of State within that timeline.

    About Baroness Minette Batters

    Baroness Batters joined the NFU when she started farming, and rose to be county chair and a member of several NFU committees.  As the first woman president of NFU, Minette has been a positive force within the agricultural industry. She served as President of the National Farmers Union from 2018 to 2024, having previously served as Deputy President from 2014 to 2018.

    In her role as deputy president and then president, Batters has represented the farming community at a time of great change, during the agricultural transition. Batters has supported orderly change and maintenance of high standards in UK agriculture.

    She was appointed as a crossbench member of the House of Lords in 2024 and was made a Deputy Lieutenant to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 2021.

    She was brought up on a tenanted farm in Wiltshire and now runs the tenanted family farm in Wiltshire, a mixed farming business including a 100-cow continental cross suckler herd, as well as sheep and arable. Diversification on the farm includes the conversion of a 17th Century barn into a wedding and events venue, and horse liveries.