DEFRA Secretary of State quizzed on vision for nature and the environment
On Tuesday Emma Reynolds, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) will give evidence to MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee.
In her first appearance before the Committee since she was appointed in September 2025, MPs will ask the Secretary of State to set out her vision for nature and the environment, as well as her department’s influence on policy across Government.
MPs are likely to examine the progress DEFRA is making to meet current environmental targets, in light of recent concerns raised by the Office for Environmental Protection.
DEFRA currently has 11 of the projects on the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio, with costs ranging from £278 million to £24,875 million, as well as £10.5 billion of flood investment to be delivered by 2036.
Meeting details
MPs are likely to question the Secretary of State on her confidence that that these projects will be delivered and what this could mean for an overall reduction in national flood risks.
The Committee may also examine the potential impacts of a mooted second major planning bill, and question what progress the Government made on coordinated marine planning and protection.