Speeches by Dyke.

“In addition, the Woodland Trust warned that removing the border checks would mean losing an important source of data intelligence from the border control posts. How will the access to the EU databases compensate if not enhance the loss of live intelligence gathering currently obtained on the border?”

“Finally, will it be possible to maintain the current import bans for high-risk hosts such as Xylella given the dynamic alignment within the EU?”

“The broad outline of what an agreement would consist of was set out in the Common Understanding at the UK-EU Summit in May. The Common Understanding explicitly states that, “The United Kingdom should be able to take targeted action to protect its biosecurity and public health in the same way as Member States under Euro…”

“The London Port Health Authority and others fear that the UK could lose its ability to tailor biosecurity inspections to scientific evidence. How will the SPS deal ensure that the UK can base border controls on relevant science and risk assessments?”

“In terms of the SPS area of reduced border checks, we have to ensure that we are able to maintain that strong—”

“We are just about to come to that.”

“Just going back to plants, if we can just stay on that, the RHS and Kew and Woodland Trust have all stressed that the UK’s plant biosecurity regime is already under significant pressure. What assessment have the Government made of the biosecurity threat posed by the possibility of reduced inspections on plants and plan…”

“Are we set up to be able to deal with multiple disease outbreaks?”

“Very quickly, sadly, the veterinary profession has a very high rate of death by suicide. Veterinary surgeons are approximately three to four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Obviously, farming as well has a terrible suicide rate. What support is being put in place for vets and those with…”

“As was identified in the national food strategy, there is a shortage of skills in food and farming. The Liberal Democrats are proposing a “Farm First” scheme to give young people training and the incentive they need to choose a career in farming. Will the Minister outline the steps the Government are taking to create p…”

“Yesterday, in my role as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on women in defence, and alongside Angela Owen OBE, who founded Women in Defence UK in 2011, I was pleased to chair a briefing to discuss the publication of this year’s Women in Defence charter data report. The report shows that women account for rough…”

“Since 2022, 1,600 Ukrainians have sought refuge in Somerset away from Putin’s war machine, many making Glastonbury and Somerton their home. The US-led peace negotiations, dictated by Russia, risk excluding US security guarantees, leaving many Ukrainians in fear of returning to Ukraine. What discussions has the Secretar…”

“4. What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of US foreign policy on Ukraine.”

“I associate myself with the comments from across the House today. My thoughts are with Sarah Everard’s family and all those whose lives have been impacted by violence against women and girls. The landmark 2019 study into rural domestic violence found that abuse in rural areas lasts longer, is more complex and is harder…”

“On neighbourhood health plans, St Dunstan’s House health and wellbeing centre and West Mendip primary care network are seeking to put together a preventive approach to crime, social and mental health issues in the Glastonbury area. Does my hon. Friend agree that this innovative, community-based project should be includ…”

“Rural areas have deep pockets of deprivation, and nearly 18% of children in Glastonbury and Somerton live in poverty. How will the Minister ensure that the child poverty strategy sufficiently focuses on child poverty in rural areas?”

“At last year’s autumn Budget, the Chancellor claimed that 75% of farms would be unaffected by agricultural property relief and business property relief, a figure that has been widely disputed. This year there is yet more confusion over the figures, with the Chancellor implying that public finances were significantly wo…”

“Last year, gig ticket scams cost music lovers over £1.6 million, as fans were exploited by greedy ticket touts. The money they paid for fake tickets often went on to fund serious organised crime groups. That makes people less willing to buy tickets for live events, which undermines that important industry, particularly…”

“I want to push the Minister on the plight of our struggling hospitality sector. I asked if she could consider exempting pubs from the EPR scheme at this stage to give a chance to review the scheme and help support our struggling hospitality sector.”

“It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Ms Lewell. I congratulate the hon. Member for Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi) on securing this important and timely debate, and on her excellent speech. I thank all hon. Members for their contributions. The Liberal Democrats welcome the Government’s desire to make manufacturing…”