Written questions by Begum.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with Ofwat over its regulation of Thames Water.

Awaiting answer.

Food and Rural Affairs, what representations she has made to Thames Water on its postponement of environmental improvements.

Awaiting answer.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made (a) an estimate of the projected water demand of data centres over the next ten years, and (b) an assessment of the sufficiency of UK water supplies to meet this.

Awaiting answer.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the British Veterinary Association's press release entitled British Veterinary Association calls for an end to all cages for laying hens, published on 27 April 2026,

The Department continues to consider the latest scientific research and evidence to improve the welfare of farmed animals, including laying hens. A UK-wide consultation, on a proposed ban on keeping laying hens, pullets and breeder layers in cages, closed...

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has had discussions with animal welfare organisations on the potential merits of prohibiting the import of eggs produced using caged systems for laying hens.

The Department has had wide ranging discussions with animal welfare organisations and other stakeholders on laying hen cage reform, including conversations relating to egg imports. As set out in the UK’s trade strategy, the Government will always consider...

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help ensure that the Food Strategy will support access to fresh produce in low-income inner-city communities.

Defra is developing plans to work closely with local authorities to support initiatives that help improve access to healthy and affordable food in those areas in greatest need, recognizing that the most effective solutions are often those designed and delivered locally. This will include supporting community‑led approaches such as food clubs, community kitchens, and cooking and nutrition programmes, which empower people and strengthen local food resilience. Defra is also working across Government to develop a more strategic, long‑term approach to support food access and affordability in priority locations this Parliament. This will take a partnership approach with industry to support local initiatives, work across Government to promote funding opportunities (for example, through Pride and Place, Crisis and Resilience and the Better Futures Fund), and leverage additional private funding, working with the Office for Impact Economy.

Food and Rural Affairs, when she expects to publish the Food Strategy.

The Good Food Cycle, published in July 2025, identifies for the first time the outcomes we want from the food system. It is the first part of an on-going programme to create a healthier, more affordable, sustainable and resilient food system. Defra is working across Government and in partnership key stakeholders on the delivery of the priority outcomes identified in the Good Food Cycle, and other Government priorities, over this Parliament. The near-term priorities are focused on: improving public health; increasing the affordability of good, nutritious food for those that need it most; unlocking ‘Good’ growth that delivers for the UK economy and supports wider Good Food Cycle outcomes; and to supporting our farmers and growers to secure resilient domestic production and protect UK food security. Defra has not yet made any decisions on the format of any future publication.