Adrian is proud that he & his staff are Dementia Friends

14 October 2025

Local MP Adrian Ramsay is proud that he & his staff are Dementia Friends.  Recently, the local branches of the Alzheimer's Society gave training to Adrian Ramsay MP and his team. After the training, Adrian said:

“I am proud to share that my constituency team and I are now all fully qualified Dementia Friends, thanks to the support of the Alzheimer’s Society. I cannot thank the Society enough for working with my team.

With one in three people born in the UK today expected to develop dementia in their lifetime, we all must understand more about the condition and how to support those affected. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but there are many types, and all have a profound impact on individuals and families.

As part of the Dementia Friends training, we learned five essential facts that everyone should know:

1. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing

2. Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain

3. Dementia is not just about losing your memory

4. There is more to the person than the dementia

5. A little understanding makes a big difference

I encourage everyone to consider becoming a Dementia Friend. Small steps in understanding and kindness can help make our communities more supportive and inclusive for people living with dementia and their loved ones.”

Hana Richardson, Alzheimer’s Society Local Services Manager, said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness, reach those that might need our support and create a society of Dementia Friends within the local community in Norfolk and Waveney. 

“Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK. The impact of dementia is devastating. It can often leave people feeling excluded and cut off from everyday life. Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends is all about increasing people’s understanding of dementia and inspiring everyone to make a difference for people affected in their communities. It could be checking in on a friend who is caring for someone with dementia, being more patient in the shop queue or taking part in a fundraising event. Whatever you choose to do, a little understanding makes a big difference. 

“At Alzheimer’s Society, we know the steps it will take to create a future where dementia no longer devastates lives. No one can beat dementia alone. It will take a society to beat it. Join us and become a Dementia Friend today, visit dementiafriends.org.uk”

Urgent Investment Needed to Power Industrial Decarbonisation and Secure UK Jobs

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  Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by ADE the Association for Decentralised Energy.

  Dear Chancellor,

  Urgent Investment Needed to Power Industrial Decarbonisation and Secure UK Jobs

  The UK’s 2050 target depends on decarbonising our industrial heartlands, but current policy is failing to address half the problem.

  While significant focus is rightly placed on large industrial clusters, nearly 50% of our industrial emissions – and at least 1.4 million jobs in the manufacturing and utilities industrial sectors alone could be at risk – are based in dispersed sites outside these clusters. These are the distilleries in Scotland, the ceramics kilns in the Midlands, the food processors in East Anglia. They are the backbone of our regional economies and our national supply chains, yet they face a perfect storm of barriers.

  Our electricity prices are the highest among IEA nations, with policy costs up to fourteen times more expensive and this contributes to making power more expensive than gas. This makes electrification – the primary route to decarbonisation for most of these sites – an economic non-starter. Compounded by crippling grid connection delays and a lack of tailored support, these businesses are being locked into high-carbon operations.

  This is an active threat to our economic competitiveness and energy security. We are stalling investment and risking carbon leakage at a time when we should be spurring green growth in every part of the country.

  The recent ADE: Demand report, "Decarbonising Dispersed Industries," provides a framework of this challenge, outlining five distinct archetypes of rural industry, each with unique needs but all united by this common policy blind spot.Therefore, I urge you to use the upcoming budget to allocate significant funding to address this imbalance. We need a mechanism that bridges the damaging price gap between electricity and gas, conditional on fuel switching, to make electrification the economically rational choice for British industry. This will unleash the investment we desperately need.

  By providing this price signal, you can unlock billions in private investment, secure hundreds of thousands of jobs, and finally put dispersed industrial decarbonisation on the fast track

  Let’s not leave half of our industrial economy behind. Let’s give them the tools to help us all reach net zero.

  Yours sincerely,

  Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by ADE the Association for Decentralised Energy.

Supporting Parents of Seriously Sick Children

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  Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Chris Hinchliff MP.

  Dear Secretary of State,

  Re: The Government’s Consultation On Support for Parents of Seriously Sick Children

  We are writing in support of the It’s Never You campaign for Hugh’s Law, following the government’s announcement of a stand-alone consultation on supporting parents of seriously ill children.

  The campaign for Hugh’s Law goes to the heart of what our welfare state must provide: a safety net people can rely on in moments of crisis. Too many parents, already facing the anguish of caring for a seriously ill child, also face the devastating reality that they cannot afford to be at their child’s bedside. Hugh’s Law would introduce an immediate, non-means tested benefit for parents of seriously ill children, offering immediate support that current benefits simply do not provide. Families must not fall through the cracks of the welfare system at what is, for many, the hardest period of their lives. There is support for families at certain stages of life, such as maternity and paternity leave. There is nothing bespoke for parents of seriously ill children, aside from the limited Neonatal Care Act, applying only in a child’s earliest days. Hugh’s Law is a natural extension of that Act. Our welfare state should

  respond not to the timing of illness, but to the reality of need.

  We welcome the consultation as a significant step forward that reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the campaign for Hugh’s Law. We would be grateful for clarification on the following points ahead of the consultation:

  • Will the consultation’s terms be co-produced with It’s Never You to ensure they reflect families’ real needs?

  • Will you confirm the timeframe for the consultation?

  • Will you announce an intention to legislate on Hugh’s Law in next year’s King’s Speech?

  • Can you outline a potential timeframe for implementation of any resulting legislation?

  The government’s announcement marks significant progress. The upcoming King’s Speech provides

  the ideal opportunity to build on this to deliver Hugh’s Law, ensuring the needs of families are fully

  addressed.

  Yours sincerely,

  Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Chris Hinchliff MP.

Ensure Audit Reform Is Not Delayed Further

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  Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors.

  Sunday 7 September 2025

  The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

  Prime Minister

  10 Downing Street

  London

  SW1A 2AA

  Dear Prime Minister,

  We welcomed the Government’s commitment in last July’s King’s Speech to publish the draft Audit Reform and

  Corporate Governance Bill, an important milestone following years of delay. However, we are very disappointed

  that, despite this early promise, it has been announced that it has once again stalled and will not be published for

  pre-legislative scrutiny during this session.

  The case for reform is now more pressing than ever. Strengthening audit and corporate governance is essential

  to laying the foundations for sustainable growth and long-term economic stability. Investors, the public, and other

  stakeholders must be able to rely on accurate, transparent reporting from our largest companies, covering both

  financial performance and other business-critical matters. This is fundamental to restoring trust and confidence in

  UK markets.

  We also need an audit regulator with real authority, one that can hold company directors and audit firms to

  account when failures occur. Without this, the system remains exposed and vulnerable, as the regulator lacks the

  legal powers it needs to do its job effectively.

  It is deeply concerning that over seven years have passed since the collapse of Carillion, yet no legislation has

  been brought forward, despite multiple independent reviews, a Government White Paper, and extensive public

  consultation. In the meantime, we have witnessed further high-profile corporate failures linked to weaknesses in

  audit and governance, including Patisserie Valerie, Bulb, Thomas Cook, Wilko, and ISG - making it clear that

  market oversight remains far from adequate. When companies collapse due to audit and governance failings, the

  consequences are devastating - impacting jobs, pensions, and smaller businesses across supply chains. This is

  the polar opposite of economic growth.

  In today’s increasingly volatile geopolitical and macroeconomic environment, a robust and effective audit and

  corporate governance framework is not a nice-to-have but a business necessity. The Audit Reform and Corporate

  Governance Bill enjoys strong cross-party support and represents a vital opportunity to legislate and regulate for

  growth, resilience, and accountability.

  As we have seen with other important Bills, where there is political will, there is a way. We urge the Government

  to act now, bring forward this long-overdue legislation, and prioritise its passage through Parliament.

  Yours faithfully,

  • Rt Hon Diane Abbott MP, Hackney North

  and Stoke Newington (The Mother of the

  House) (Independent)

  • Luke Akehurst MP, North Durham (Labour)

  • Josh Babarinde MP, Eastbourne (Liberal

  Democrat Spokesperson for Justice &

  Justice Committee)

  • Paula Barker MP, Liverpool Wavertree

  (Committee on Standards) (Labour)

  • Lee Barron MP, Corby and East

  Northamptonshire (Labour)

  • Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (former

  Leader of the Green Party)

  • Siân Berry MP, Brighton Pavilion (Green)

  • Clive Betts MP, Sheffield South East

  (Public Accounts Committee) (Labour)

  • Bob Blackman MP, Harrow East (Chair,

  Backbench Business Committee)

  (Conservative)

  • Wendy Chamberlain MP, North East Fife

  (Liberal Democrat Chief Whip)

  • Ellie Chowns MP, North Herefordshire

  (Environmental Audit Committee) (Green)

  • Lord Clement-Jones CBE (Liberal

  Democrat Lords Spokesperson for

  Science, Innovation and Technology)

  • Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, North

  Cotswolds (Conservative)

  • Daisy Cooper MP, St Albans (Liberal

  Democrat Spokesperson for the Treasury

  & Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats)

  • Adam Dance MP, Yeovil (Liberal

  Democrat)

  • Steve Darling MP, Torbay (Liberal

  Democrat Spokesperson for Work and

  Pensions & Work and Pensions

  Committee)

  • Ann Davies MP, Caerfyrddin (Welsh

  Affairs Committee) (Plaid Cymru)

  • Bobby Dean MP, Carshalton & Wallington

  (Treasury Committee) (Liberal Democrat)

  • Carla Denyer MP, Bristol Central

  • The Rt Hon. the Lord Dholakia OBE DL

  (Human Rights Joint Select Committee)

  (Liberal Democrat)

  • Neil Duncan-Jordan MP, Poole

  (Independent)

  • Sarah Dyke MP, Glastonbury and

  Somerton (Environment, Food and Rural

  Affairs Committee) (Liberal Democrat)

  • Sarah Edwards MP, Tamworth (Business

  and Trade Committee) (Labour)

  • Will Forster MP, Woking (Housing,

  Communities and Local Government

  Committee) (Liberal Democrat)

  • Andrew George MP, West Cornwall & Isles

  of Scilly (St Ives) (Health and Social Care

  Committee) (Liberal Democrat)

  • Mary Glindon MP, Newcastle upon Tyne

  East and Wallsend (Administration

  Committee) (Labour)

  • Claire Hanna MP, Belfast South and Mid

  Dow (Leader of the Social Democratic and

  Labour Party)

  • Baroness Harris of Richmond (Secondary

  Legislation Scrutiny Committee) (Liberal

  Democrat)

  • Pippa Heylings MP, South Cambridgeshire

  (Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for

  Energy Security and Net Zero &

  Environmental Audit Committee)

  • Wera Hobhouse MP, Bath (Energy

  Security and Net Zero Committee) (Liberal

  Democrat)

  • The Rt Hon. the Baroness Hodge of

  Barking DBE (Labour)

  • Christine Jardine MP, Edinburgh West

  (Women and Equalities Committee)

  (Liberal Democrat)

  • Liz Jarvis MP, Eastleigh (Culture, Media

  and Sport Committee) (Liberal Democrat)

  • Kim Johnson MP, Liverpool Riverside

  (Labour)

  • Clive Jones MP, Wokingham (Liberal

  Democrat Spokesperson for Trade)

  • Ben Lake MP, Ceredigion Preseli (Welsh

  Affairs Committee) (Plaid Cymru)

  • Graham Leadbitter MP, Moray West, Nairn

  & Strathspey (SNP)

  • Lord Leigh of Hurley (Conservative)

  • Seamus Logan MP, Aberdeenshire North

  and Moray East (SNP)

  • Ben Maguire MP, North Cornwall (Home

  Affairs Committee & Liberal Democrat

  Shadow Attorney General)

  • Helen Maguire MP, Epsom and Ewell

  (Liberal Democrat)

  • Rachael Maskell MP, York Central

  (Independent)

  • Brian Mathew MP, Melksham and Devizes

  (International Development Committee)

  (Liberal Democrat)

  • Andy McDonald MP, Middlesbrough and

  Thornaby East (Labour)

  • John McDonnell MP, Hayes and

  Harlington (Independent)

  • Iqbal Mohamed MP, Dewsbury and Batley

  (Independent)

  • Layla Moran MP, Oxford West and

  Abingdon (Chair, Health and Social Care

  Committee) (Liberal Democrat)

  • Tessa Munt MP, Wells and Mendip Hills

  (Administration Committee) (Liberal

  Democrat)

  • Susan Murray MP, Mid Dunbartonshire

  (Scottish Affairs Committee) (Liberal

  Democrat)

  • James Naish MP, Rushcliffe (International

  Development Committee) (Labour)

  • Sarah Olney MP, Richmond Park (Liberal

  Democrat Spokesperson for the Cabinet

  Office & Public Accounts Committee)

  • Manuela Perteghella MP, Stratford-on-

  Avon (Education Committee) (Liberal

  Democrat)

  • Adrian Ramsay MP, Waveney Valley

  (Green)

  • Martin Rhodes MP, Glasgow North

  (Environment Audit Committee) (Labour)

  • Marie Rimmer MP, St Helens South and

  Whiston (Labour)

  • Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick

  (Secondary Legislation Scrutiny

  Committee and former Leader of the

  Social Democratic and Labour Party)

  (Labour)

  • Dr Roz Savage MP, South Cotswolds

  (Petitions Committee) (Liberal Democrat)

  • Jim Shannon MP, Strangford (DUP)

  • Lord Sikka (Professor of Accounting at the

  University of Sheffield, and Emeritus

  Professor of Accounting at the University

  of Essex) (Labour)

  • Alex Sobel MP, Leeds Central and

  Headingley (UK Trade Envoy to Ukraine

  and Chair of the Net Zero APPG) (Labour)

  • Ian Sollom MP, St Neots and Mid

  Cambridgeshire (Liberal Democrat

  Spokesperson for Universities and Skills)

  • Baroness Uddin

  • Martin Vickers MP, Brigg & Immingham

  (Backbench Business Committee)

  (Conservative)

  • The Rt Hon. the Lord Wallace of Saltaire

  (Liberal Democrat)

  • Nadia Whittome MP, Nottingham East

  (Environmental Audit Committee) (Labour)

  • Steve Witherden MP, Montgomeryshire

  and Glyndŵr (Welsh Affairs Committee)

  (Labour)

Adrian Ramsay MP Welcomes Minister’s Commitment to Direct NHS Dentistry Funding Where It Is Most Needed

19th of August 2025

Adrian Ramsay MP, Member of Parliament for Waveney Valley, has questioned the Minister of State for Care on whether the extra funding allocated to the Department will be reflected in increased funding for NHS dentistry. The question - asked last month before Parliament went into recess - secured a commitment to focusing more NHS dentistry funding in under-served areas like Waveney Valley.

Adrian Ramsay asked:

“Data published last week shows that despite the Government’s initial action, the proportion of dentists working in the NHS in Norfolk and Waveney continues to drop. I am pleased to hear about the Government’s work on the dental contract, but the Public Accounts Committee is clear that this will work only if it is backed by sustainable funding. I will give the Minister another chance to answer the question: will the Government ensure that the extra funding that has been put into the Department is actually reflected in extra funding for NHS dentistry?”

In response Stephen Kinnock MP the Minister of State for Care said

 “One thing that I made clear to officials when I came into this post was that every penny that is allocated to NHS dentistry must be spent on NHS dentistry. We are in a crazy situation where demand for NHS dentistry is going through the roof, yet we have had underspends. That needs to stop. We will focus the spending on where it is most needed, including areas that are under-served, such as the hon. Gentleman’s constituency.”

Reacting to the reply Adrian Ramsay MP said 

"I am glad that the Government has acknowledged the ridiculous situation where the demand for NHS dentistry is increasing while funding remains unspent and so many people just can’t get access to a dentist. I welcome the Minister’s commitment to ensuring that resources are directed to where they are most needed. In the upcoming parliamentary term, I will hold the Minister accountable to this commitment and will continue to advocate for improved access to NHS dentistry for people in East Anglia and across the country.” 

ENDS

Adrian Ramsay MP statement on the Park Hotel, Diss

15th of August 2025

Adrian Ramsay MP, Member of Parliament for Waveney Valley, statement on the recent issues relating to the Park Hotel in Diss:  

“In recent weeks I have been contacted by many constituents about the situation at the Park Hotel in Diss and I am keeping in close and frequent contact with residents, local groups, and the authorities. This is a sensitive situation and one where the right thing to do has been to focus on working behind the scenes with the Home Office, South Norfolk Council, local police, community groups and residents to seek clear, accurate information and to help ease tensions in our community. I continue to be concerned for the welfare of the asylum seeker families who have been in Diss for some time and have been welcomed into our community and I will continue to press for them to be treated fairly.“

“I have spoken directly with many constituents to hear their questions and to ensure they have the latest verified facts. Responses from the Home Office have at times been slow or unclear and we currently have a situation where it is unclear what the future plans for the hotel are. I will continue to press for timely communication so that we can avoid speculation and so South Norfolk Council and the many community groups who have been supporting the asylum seekers living in our community can continue to do so.“

“Although some local media coverage has not reflected the full picture, my focus remains on supporting our community and ensuring the wellbeing of all residents of Diss, both long term residents and people seeking sanctuary in our town. I have written to the Minister to call for a dedicated MP hotline to improve coordination between local authorities, elected representatives and the Home Office. Clear, open communication and co-ordination between all the authorities is essential to ensure the best outcomes for our community.” 

The Government has finally acknowledged the NHS dentistry crisis. Now it must take action.

 8th of August 2025

When I stood for election a little over a year ago, the one issue that came up time and time again was the near-complete collapse in access to NHS dental care locally. It was raised by parents who couldn’t get appointments for their children, and by people sometimes travelling hours just to be seen. I’ve even spoken to people in so much pain that they resorted to pulling out their teeth. This cannot be right.

I’ve long believed that dentistry is the forgotten sibling of the NHS. A vital service that has been chronically underfunded for decades.

From day one in Parliament, I made it a priority to press the Government on this issue. I’ve repeatedly raised it on the floor of the House, submitted questions, and met with the British Dental Association (BDA) and the campaign group Toothless in England multiple times to hear directly from those on the front lines. Their message has been consistent: the current system is broken.

Dentists are willing and able to help, but many are leaving NHS work because the contract model is unworkable, and the funding is not there. That is why I have sought to work with the BDA to secure a new workable contract - one that serves dentists, patients, and the NHS.

The Government’s response until now has been lacklustre to say the least. They have promised reforms that never materialised and continued to allocate funding that, infuriatingly, went unspent. In fact, despite the Government’s initial action and announcements and schemes that were supposed to fix things, the proportion of dentists working in the NHS in Norfolk and Waveney continues to drop.

I took the opportunity in Parliament last month to ask the Minister of State for Care whether the recently announced additional funding for the Department of Health and Social Care would lead to substantial investment in NHS dentistry. I asked a simple, direct question. Will the Government ensure that the extra funding that has been put into the Department is actually reflected in extra funding for NHS dentistry? 

This time, the Minister gave a clear and welcome commitment. He said, and I quote, “Every penny that is allocated to NHS dentistry must be spent on NHS dentistry.” He also acknowledged how outrageous it is that we have seen underspending in dentistry budgets at a time of rising demand. Crucially, he recognised that areas like East Anglia, which have been underserved for years, must be prioritised.

As someone who has worked consistently on this issue, both inside and outside Parliament, I am pleased that the Government is finally starting to recognise the scale of the problem. But let’s be clear. Words are not enough. Promises mean little unless they are followed by action. What we need is for this Government to live up to its commitment to spend every penny allocated to NHS dentistry, and to follow through as soon as possible with the contract reforms so we can stop – and then reverse – the exodus of dentists from the NHS.

For people in Waveney Valley and across East Anglia, this needs to result in more NHS dentists on the ground. It needs to mean appointments that are available when needed. Patients must not be forced into private treatment or left waiting for months or longer for basic care.

There is also a broader question here about how we view dentistry as part of our health system. For too long, dental care has been treated as a separate or second-tier service. That must change. Oral health is not an optional extra, it’s a vital part of our overall health. Until the Government sees this, we are going to get nowhere in improving our overall wellbeing.

Untreated dental problems can lead to severe pain, serious infections, and, in some cases, leave people unable to eat. Tooth decay is the number one reason for hospital admission for children – a total scandal. The idea that this essential part of healthcare is now out of reach for so many people is not just unfair. It is a public health failure.

The Government may have come to its senses on NHS dentistry, but this must now be a turning point, not just a passing gesture. In the months ahead, I will continue to work with the BDA and Toothless in England to push for tangible action, not just words.

No one should be in pain because they cannot afford to see a dentist. No child should be denied basic healthcare because of where they live. It’s time the Government made good on its promise and delivered NHS dentistry that works for the people who need it most.

I will not let this issue drop. I will continue to fight for a system that works, for patients, for dentists, and communities like ours.

Adrian Ramsay MP Welcomes Swift Brick Pledge and Calls for Greener, Nature-Friendly Housing Standards

7th August 2025

Adrian Ramsay MP, Co-Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales and Member of Parliament for Waveney Valley, has welcomed Saffron Housing Trust’s new commitment to install swift bricks in all suitable new build homes on their future developments – calling the move “A great example of what should become the norm, not the exception.”

Saffron Housing announced that they have made this decision following representations from Adrian Ramsay on behalf of his constituents.

Speaking on the commitment Adrian Ramsay MP said 

“With swifts now on the UK’s Red List, we urgently need to protect and restore their nesting sites. That is why I welcome Saffron Housing Trust's commitment to install swift bricks in all suitable new build homes on their future developments.  Swift bricks are a simple, low-cost solution that offer real benefits to these birds and many other species.

“We need to make nature-friendly design and high environmental standards the norm in all new developments. We must build homes that are fit for the future – that means measures that are good for wildlife, and also measures that are good for people and reducing bills such as including renewable energy and high insulation standards as a matter of course. I commend Saffron Housing Trust for taking this step and I want to see all housing providers ensuring the highest environmental standards.”

Marie Baynham-Davies - A member of Halesworth Swifts and Suffolk Save Our Swifts who highlighted the issue with Adrian in a constituency surgery, said

“This is a real boost for swift populations which have declined by 66% since 1995. Insulation in modern developments means buildings provide no natural nest sites for birds. Swift bricks provide a safe cavity for swifts to nest in and cost less than a nest box but last the lifetime of the building. It is fantastic that Adrian Ramsay is supporting the use of Swift bricks, and we hope that Saffron Housing's decision to install them shows that putting bricks in new developments is an achievable target for all planners and developers.” 

ENDS
For more information, visit https://www.actionforswifts.com and https://hannahbournetaylor.com/the-feather-speech-campaign-for-swifts/

Saffron Housing announcement https://www.linkedin.com/posts/saffron-housing-trust-limited_socialhousing-developments-environmental-activity-7358888552119615489-G4h2?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAACXkKVkBzhFvdiHzxiiRBBCGJvHQaqgifLM

ICJ advisory opinion on unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory

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  Dear Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Attorney General

  On 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gave a groundbreaking

  judgement on the legal consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of

  Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).

  This advisory opinion made crystal clear determinations that:

   The Israeli presence in the OPT, including Gaza, is unlawful and its policies

  and practices are incompatible with international law.

   All Israeli settlements are illegal and must be withdrawn immediately

   Israel owes full reparation for all damage of its illegal acts since 1967,

   Other states are obliged to not provide any sort of aid or assistance that

  maintains Israel’s unlawful presence in the OPT, referring to Gaza, the West

  Bank, and East Jerusalem.

  Following this advisory opinion, the Foreign Office response was that it would

  consider “carefully before responding. The UK respects the independence of the

  ICJ... the UK is strongly opposed to the expansion of illegal settlements and rising

  settler violence”.

  The government promised to publish its formal response. One year on since the

  advisory opinion was issued, it has yet to do so. Given that the ICJ referred to the

  “unlawfulness” as an established fact, the UK has a legal duty to ensure that the

  government and British entities take all necessary steps to ensure that we are not

  complicit with this unlawful situation. This is particularly pertinent given the

  seriousness of the situation, the continued and increasing Israeli violations of

  international law, as well as the increase in illegal settlements. Between November

  2023 – October 2024, Israel established 57 new settlements and outposts. However,

  the UK needs to not just denounce the rise in settlements but the mere existence of

  them, as regards the ICJ advisory opinion.

  The failure of the government to publish its legal advice on the advisory opinion and

  address the unlawful situation occurring in the OPT, as well its own obligations under

  international law to avoid complicity, needs to be rectified.

  Over the last year, since the opinion was issued, Israel has accelerated its violations

  of international law including the Fourth Geneva Convention in the OPT.

  We, the undersigned, urge the government immediately to publish its response to

  the ICJ Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation and

  take all the necessary measures to adhere to the obligation of 3 rd party states “not to

  render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by Israel’s illegal

  presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” as the Court stipulated.

Adrian Ramsay MP joined the local community in celebrating Pride in Bungay over the weekend.

22nd of July 2025

Adrian Ramsay MP, Co-Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales and Member of Parliament for Waveney Valley, proudly joined community members at this year’s Pride celebration in Bungay to show support for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

Adrian Ramsay MP said at the end of the event "Pride is a time to celebrate the progress we have made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and to uphold the idea that everyone deserves to live in safety, dignity, and with equal respect. I was pleased to support the residents of Bungay who are dedicated to ensuring we have an inclusive and welcoming community."

Adrian Ramsay MP statement on the Park hotel, Diss,

22nd of July 2025

What happened in Diss last night was wrong. Groups from outside our community came here to create fear and division. That is not who we are. Diss is a town rooted in compassion and decency. We have a long and proud history of offering sanctuary to those fleeing persecution. People have a right to seek asylum in our country, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, as we would wish to be treated in times of crisis. 

We have had an asylum hotel in Diss for two years without any issues. The families staying there have become part of the local community, with many of their children attending local schools. However, late last week we were informed that these families would be told to leave the hotel at short notice. I am frustrated by the lack of communication from the Home Office to the families and to me as constituency MP, and I have raised my concerns with the Minister. 

We must reject division and focus on what unites us. I will keep raising questions with the Home Office and work with the town and district councils and local community groups to ensure everyone is treated with respect. Together, we will welcome new arrivals and show what I know Diss to be: a compassionate and inclusive town that helps everyone feel part of our community.

Banning Conversion Practices

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   Dear Bridget,

  We are writing to you about the delay to the Government’s plans to publish a draft Bill to ban conversion practices.

  LGBTQ+ people have nothing to be ashamed of; their sexual orientations and gender identities are diverse, and it should be self-evident in 2025 that they do not need ‘fixing’ or ‘curing’.

  And yet, as you know, conversion practices still take place in the UK today. A report by Galop in 2023 found that 1 in 5 (18 per cent) LGBT+ people in the UK have been subjected to someone trying to change, ‘cure’ or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity.

  A growing number of countries around the world have passed legislation to ban conversion practices, including New Zealand, Canada, Brazil and Germany. The UK used to be a global leader on human rights, but this year the UK dropped 6 places on ILGA-Europe’s rainbow map to an all-time low of 22 out of 49 countries. Urgent action is needed to restore our position on the world stage.

  We were pleased to see a commitment to deliver a fully inclusive ban in the 2024 Labour Party manifesto and plans to publish a draft Bill included in last year’s King’s Speech. Several times at the despatch box, and in answer to our written questions, Ministers have reiterated that a draft Bill will be published before the end of this parliamentary session.

  We are concerned that time is running out to deliver on this incredibly important commitment.

  This comes at a time when many people in the LGBTQ+ community are worried about what the future holds for them. It’s now vital that the Government demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community by delivering on its manifesto commitments. That includes a ban on conversion practices which is fully inclusive, protects all LGBTQ+ people, and has no loopholes that would allow abuse to continue.

  Every day without robust legislative protection is another day in which LGBTQ+ people remain vulnerable to abuse that has been internationally recognised as a violation of human rights.

  We urge you to publish the draft Bill without delay.

  Yours sincerely,

  
  Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Stonewall.

Cross-party letter on phasing out animal experiments

• Alt text

  Lord Vallance

  Minister of State for Science, Innovation & Technology

  Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

  100 Parliament Street

  London SW1A 2BQ

  Dear Lord Vallance, Lord Hanson and Baroness Hayman,

  We are writing to you as the Ministers responsible for producing the Government’s forthcoming strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of non-animal methods.

  We support the Government’s commitment to phasing out animal experiments. As well as improving animal welfare, focusing on modern, human-specific methods will accelerate medical breakthroughs and unlock the economic opportunities presented by this growing global market. The non-animal alternatives testing market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 12% to reach $4.08 billion in 2029.

  Around the world, policymakers are taking bold steps to support the transition to human-specific science. This includes the US FDA’s Roadmap that seeks to make animal testing ‘the exception rather than the norm’ over the next 3-5 years in preclinical safety testing, while the European Union has committed to a roadmap to phase out chemical testing on animals. If we are to keep pace, and position Britain as a global leader in human-specific life sciences, the forthcoming alternatives strategy must be bold and transformative.

  As well as measures to increase funding and practical support to enable scientists to transition to non-animal methods, it should commit to:

  1.  Introduce Herbie’s Law to provide a clear timeline for the phase-out. Recommended by Animal Free Research UK, Herbie’s Law would set a goal of phasing out animal experiments in medical research over the next decade, working closely with the scientific community to support them with the transition.

  2. As a first step, stop issuing licences for experiments using dogs and cats, as well as non-human primates. It is crucial that these are replaced with non-animal methods, not other species of animal,  which would fail to address the scientific and ethical problems.

  3. Institute a thorough overhaul of the licensing of animal experiments to ensure that basic legal requirements to use non-animal methods wherever possible are being properly enforced.

  Including these measures will ensure that the strategy has real impact in driving the phase-out of animal experiments. As a nation of animal lovers, we must harness our long-established scientific excellence to lead the transition to future-focused, human- specific medical research, which will transform the lives of people around the world.

  Yours sincerely,

  Irene Campbell MP (Labour)

  Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Phasing Out Animal Experiments in Medical

  Research

  Parliamentarian signatures

  The Rt Hon John McDonnell MP (Independent)

  The Lord Clement-Jones CBE (Liberal Democrat)

  Neil Duncan-Jordan MP (Independent)

  Louie French MP (Conservative)

  Sammy Wilson MP (Democratic Unionist Party)

  The Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party)

  The Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (Green Party)

  Sam Rushworth MP (Labour)

  Lillian Jones MP (Labour)

  Seamus Logan MP (Scottish National Party)

  Ruth Jones MP (Labour)

  Johanna Baxter MP (Labour)

  Michael Wheeler MP (Labour)

  Douglas McAllister MP (Labour)

  The Lord Gascoigne (Conservative)

  Ellie Chowns MP (Green Party)

  Daniel Francis MP (Labour)

  Maureen Burke MP (Labour)

  Siân Berry MP (Green Party)

  Sarah Champion MP (Labour)Dame Caroline Dinenage MP (Conservative)

  The Rt Hon. the Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative)

  Alex Mayer MP (Labour)

  Gurinder Singh Josan MP (Labour)

  Sorcha Eastwood MP (Alliance)

  The Rt Hon. the Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC. (Labour)

  Brian Leishman MP (Independent)

  Manuela Perteghella MP (Liberal Democrat)

  Anna Gelderd MP (Labour)

  Bob Blackman MP (Conservative)

  Carla Denyer MP (Green Party)

  Elaine Stewart MP (Labour)

  Tony Vaughan MP (Labour)

  The Baroness Hodgson of Abinger (Conservative)

  Andrew Ranger MP (Labour)

  Iqbal Mohamed MP (Independent)

  Andrew George MP (Liberal Democrat)

  Patricia Ferguson MP (Labour)

  Kim Johnson MP (Labour)

  Liz Jarvis MP (Liberal Democrat)

  Mary Kelly Foy MP (Labour)

  Peter Swallow MP (Labour)

  Gregory Campbell MP (Democratic Unionist Party)

  Kenneth Stevenson MP (Labour)

  Matt Bishop MP (Labour)

  Adrian Ramsay MP (Green)

  Alex Sobel MP (Labour)

  The Rt Hon. Lord McNally (Liberal Democrat)Alex Easton MP (Independent)

  Lee Pitcher MP (Labour)

  The Baroness Cass OBE FRCP FRCPCH (Crossbench)

  The Lord Weir of Ballyholme (Democratic Unionist Party)

  Christine Jardine MP (Liberal Democrat)

  The Earl of Courtown (Conservative)

  Tan Dhesi MP (Labour)

  Terry Jermy MP (Labour)

  Celebrit y endorsement

  Carol Royle

  Dame Joanna Lumley

  Diane Morgan

  Alan Cumming

  Deborah Meaden

  Will Young

  Kirsty Gallacher

Adrian Ramsay MP, calls on the Prime Minister to put climate resilience on a statutory footing

14 of July 2025

Adrian Ramsay MP, calls on the Prime Minister to put climate resilience on a statutory footing, saying, "England is facing its driest start to a year in my lifetime. Extreme weather is becoming the norm, and we are nowhere near prepared to protect our citizens."

Adrian Ramsay MP, Co-Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales reacting to the Met Office’s State of the Climate Report, published today, which spells out how extreme weather events are increasing. The last three years have been among the top five warmest on record. Extremes are becoming the norm.

Adrian Ramsay MP said:

“Our climate is fuelling extreme weather, and that is having direct and urgent consequences in the here and now. The last three years have been among the top five warmest on record. Extremes are becoming the norm. 

He continued ”We had the warmest  spring on record, and we are in the middle of this summer’s third heatwave. The Government has not adequately prepared our infrastructure to protect our citizens."  

”The Government must outline the steps they are taking to prepare for the increasing threat of extreme temperature. This is not just about this summer, it’s about how we adapt as the climate crisis continues to escalate.”

“We need to safeguard the public from this rising climate threat. That is why the Prime Minister must put climate resilience on a statutory footing, requiring local councils and major infrastructure providers to carry out climate risk assessments for all projects.”

My first year as an MP

4th of July 2025

It’s hard to believe that it’s only a year ago that voters went to the polls, threw out the Conservatives and gave Labour its huge majority - and I became the first MP for the new Waveney Valley constituency, and one of four Green MPs, quadrupling our representation in Parliament.

The past 12 months have been a whirlwind and this seems a good moment to reflect on what’s happened since my election.

To start, the fortunes of both Labour and the Conservatives have tumbled. Labour’s promise of change has turned into more of the same brutal cuts to public services, causing them to haemorrhage support, while the Conservatives have slumped even further in opinion polls, to the point where their actual survival as a party is being questioned.

I’m glad to say that, in contrast, the Greens have built up our support across the country, while in Parliament I and my fellow Green MPs continue to hold the Government to account on issues ranging from support for public services to protection of the environment.

I’ve challenged ministers on the disastrous state of NHS dentistry in East Anglia; on cuts in education spending and the pressures on SEND provision; on the failure to address the roots of poverty; on the betrayal of farmers not only with the badly conceived changes to inheritance tax rules but also the abrupt pause to funding for sustainable farming; on the need to listen to residents’ concerns about the proposed new pylons route and properly consider alternatives for much-needed improvements to the electricity grid; and on the Government’s refusal to take a stand on the Israeli government’s attacks on civilians in Gaza – to name but a few of the issues that I know are important to my constituents.

Only last week, during Prime Minister’s Questions, I called on Keir Starmer to scrap the two-child benefit cap and the totally unacceptable cuts to universal credit for ill and disabled people which will push more and more people into poverty.

I’ve spoken about the lack of flood preparedness in Norfolk and Suffolk and given my backing to local natural flood management projects. I’ve highlighted the urgent need to hold water companies to account for the damage they have done to our rivers and beaches. I initiated and led a debate on the welfare of farmed animals and the horrifying increase in industrial factory farming.  I believe in working with MPs from other parties in areas where we can agree and I’m glad that in both these areas, there has been cross-party support. Too often, the tribalism of our politics gets in the way of resolving some of the many challenges we face.

That is why I have supported the Government’s commitment to tackling the climate and nature crises – the issue which above all others brought me into politics. I only wish its actions lived up to its ambition, rather than pandering to the interests of the fossil fuel industry by pledging huge public investment in carbon capture and storage and keeping open the option of more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.

When I was elected last July, I promised to be an active and visible MP in Waveney Valley. And this has been a key focus of my work – holding more than 40 constituency surgeries over the past 12 months and visiting many of the schools, businesses and local organisations across the constituency.  I’ve received and replied to more than 4,100 emails from constituents voicing their concerns, whether it’s on national policy or their own difficulty in accessing vital public services.

I know people in Waveney Valley are proud of the area they live in and want to protect it. But I also know you feel let down by the loss of local services and the degradation of the local environment. The lack of NHS dentistry is a prime example of the erosion of public services so it’s disappointing that each time I have raised this with ministers, and the Prime Minister himself, I am fobbed off with promises of addressing the issue – but no firm date for reforming the NHS dental contract which is the root cause of the problem. I will keep up the pressure on this crucial issue.

I knew when I stood for Parliament that Waveney Valley was a remarkable place with a real sense of community. The people I’ve met over the last 12 months and the organisations I’ve visited have only made me even more proud of our great communities. It is a huge honour to be your MP.

I promised when I was elected that I would be Waveney Valley’s voice at Westminster, not Westminster’s voice in Waveney Valley. I hope I am fulfilling that promise as I continue to fight for the interests of all my constituents and ensure your voice is heard in the corridors of power.

Reflecting on his first year as an MP.

3rd of July 2025

Reflecting on his first year as an MP, Adrian Ramsay says his focus is on being active and visible in Waveney Valley while also championing local concerns in Parliament.

“As a proud East Anglian, it’s a real honour to serve as the MP for Waveney Valley. From day one, I’ve worked to be a visible voice for Waveney Valley. As I said in my maiden speech, I’ve sought to be Waveney Valley’s voice in Westminster and not Westminster’s voice in Waveney Valley.”

One year on, he says he remains committed to that promise.

"I’ve championed a wide range of local concerns in Parliament, from the need to restore NHS dentistry and other health services to pressing for more affordable housing and adequate funding for local schools and for nature friendly farming.”

He continued

“I’ve also been very active and visible in the constituency – which was the main thing residents told me they wanted when I was campaigning for election. I’ve visited businesses, charities, community groups and schools across the constituency and given support to a wide range of excellent local initiatives from natural flood management to the indoor marketplace in Diss and supporting Waveney Foodbank.”

In closing he said

“I’ve also taken up a wide range of issues. My team and I have supported hundreds of constituents with individual cases, responded to over 4,000 pieces of correspondence from constituents, and I’ve held more than 40 surgeries.

“It’s a huge privilege to represent such a wonderful area.”

ENDS

Letter to Commons Leader requesting time to ratify the Global Oceans Treaty

• Alt text

  Dear Leader of the House of Commons,

  We are writing to you as cross-party members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the

  Environment to ask you to find parliamentary time to ratify the Global Oceans Treaty. Taking this

  action is critical to maintaining the UK’s global leadership on international biodiversity and protecting

  the oceans beloved by the British public.

  The Global Oceans Treaty - also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions agreement -

  is crucial to establishing marine protected areas in parts of the ocean that lie beyond national

  maritime borders. Whilst the treaty was agreed in 2023, it must be formally ratified by each

  participating nation, which in the UK requires primary legislation. 28 states have now formally

  ratified the agreement, including France, Spain and Portugal. If the UK fails to ratify quickly it will risk

  losing its seat at the table for ongoing international negotiations.

  Governments had aimed to ratify the treaty by this month’s UN Ocean Conference, to ensure it

  enters into force quickly enough to protect 30% of oceans by 2030. This is a core goal of the Global

  Ocean Alliance, a 77-country group led by the UK.

  The treaty is within the remit of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, who have

  continually expressed their support for ratifying it. However, time must now urgently be found in the

  Commons for this business to take place.

  The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and

  globally more than 40 million people will be employed by ocean-based industries by 2030. Yet

  society is taking more from the ocean than can be replenished, with 90% of big fish populations

  depleted and 50% of coral reefs destroyed.

  International waters that will be protected by the Global Oceans are vulnerable to exploitation,

  including from industrial fishing and oil drilling. Currently, less than 1% of the high seas – which

  comprises almost two-thirds of the world’s ocean – is fully or highly protected from human activities.

  As an issue supported by politicians from all major parties, where lack of actions risks damaging the

  UK’s international reputation for marine conservation, we hope you can find time for this important

  piece of parliamentary business.

  Yours sincerely,

Adrian Ramsay MP Urges Government to Restore Trust After Abrupt SFI Withdrawal

Adrian Ramsay MP, Co-Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales and Member of Parliament for Waveney Valley, has raised serious concerns about the Government’s handling of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), following its abrupt and unexplained withdrawal for new entrants earlier this year.

Speaking after meeting with farmers across Waveney Valley and writing to the Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Adrian Ramsay MP said:

“Farmers in my constituency have told me they feel blindsided by the Government’s decision to close new applications to the SFI without any warning or consultation. Many had invested time, money, and energy into preparing for the scheme only to face sudden rejection and financial uncertainty. This has severely undermined trust in the Government.”

He continued:
“The SFI scheme is not perfect, but it offers a meaningful replacement for the EU’s CAP payments and to a future in which farmers could invest in the natural capital of their land. In one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, this kind of support is essential for reversing catastrophic biodiversity loss. Without it, farmers say they may be forced to abandon environmental practices just to stay afloat.”

Adrian Ramsay has written to Daniel Zeichner MP, the responsible minister, seeking urgent answers on behalf of those affected. In his letter, he asked:

•  Will you confirm when the new eligibility criteria will be published? 

• What steps are you taking to prioritise farmers affected by the abrupt closure? 

• What reassurance can you give to those already in the SFI that they will be able to reapply in good time for future phases? 

• Can you guarantee that the full £2.4 billion annual farming budget will be protected through and beyond the Spending Review, so that Environmental Land Management schemes deliver on their promises for nature, food security, and rural livelihoods?

In closing Adrian Ramsay MP said, “The long-term success of environmental land management schemes should not be dictated by short-term Treasury pressures,” Ramsay added. “This is about protecting our countryside, strengthening rural livelihoods, and meeting our climate and biodiversity goals. Farmers deserve clarity — and a government that keeps its promises.”

ENDS

Joint letter sent to the Prime Minister re Alaa Abd el-Fattah

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  Dear Prime Minister,

  We are writing about the case of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, the British-Egyptian political prisoner who should have been released at the end of his prison sentence in September 2024, and who has now been on hunger strike for more than 80 days. We are requesting an urgent update on progress, given the serious risks both to his health and that of his mother Laila Soueif, who has been on hunger strike in support of him since September 2024.

  We welcomed your assurance to the House on 26 February that you would do everything you could to ensure Alaa’s release, and your recognition that this was an “incredibly difficult situation” for his family. We were pleased to see that on 28 February, you pressed President Sisi for Alaa’s release and agreed to speak to him again soon, and that on 2 March the National Security Adviser spoke to the Egyptian Foreign Minister about Alaa’s case.

  We were relieved that following these developments, Laila Soueif agreed to ease her hunger strike somewhat by accepting 300 calories per day, in recognition of these hopeful signs of progress, and was discharged from St Thomas’ hospital.

  However, we write with mounting concern about the lack of concrete progress on Alaa’s case, more than two months after your call with President Sisi. Time is in desperately short supply in this case. Alaa has been acutely unwell in prison, experiencing vomiting, stomach pains, dizziness and blurred vision. Meanwhile, Laila’s health continues to deteriorate. She has not eaten proper food for more than seven months.

  Prime Minister, we remain gravely concerned about the implications for Alaa’s family if the path to resolve his case and secure his release cannot be found very soon. There is also no doubt in our minds that if the health of Laila or Alaa is further damaged by this ordeal, this would have serious long-term implications for the British-Egyptian bilateral relationship. We urge you to deploy every tool at your government’s disposal at this vital stage.

  We offer our support to your efforts on behalf of Alaa and his family in any way needed.

  Brendan O'Hara MP, Interim Chair of the APPG

  Tim Roca MP, Vice-Chair of the APPG

  Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC, Vice-Chair of the APPG

  Diane Abbott MP

  Shockat Adam MP

  Baroness Altmann

  Lord Alton of Liverpool

  Órfhlaith Begley MP

  Apsana Begum MP

  Alison Bennett MP

  Baroness Bennett

  Sian Berry MP

  Baroness Blackstone

  Olivia Blake MP

  Baroness Blower

  Baroness Brinton

  Jess Brown-Fuller MP

  Richard Burgon MP

  Ian Byrne MP

  Baroness Chakrabati

  Wendy Chamberlain MP

  Danny Chambers MP

  Ellie Chowns MP

  Jeremy Corbyn MP

  Stella Creasy MP

  Pat Cullen MP

  The Rt Hon David Davis

  Marsha de Cordova MP

  Carla Denyer MP

  Lord Dholakia

  Baroness D'Souza

  The Rt Hon Sir Iain

  Duncan Smith MP

  Neil Duncan-Jordan MP

  Colum Eastwood MP

  John Finucane MP

  Mary Kelly Foy MP

  Andrew George MP

  Rachel Gilmour MP

  Olly Glover MP

  Marie Goldman MP

  Sarah Green MP

  Lord Peter Hain

  The Lord Hannay of

  Chiswick GCMG CH

  Monica Harding MP

  Chris Hazzard MP

  Baroness Healy of

  Primrose Hill

  Lord Hendy

  Chris Hinchcliff MP

  Dayre Hughes MP

  Baroness Angela Harris

  Baroness Janke

  Liz Jarvis MP

  Christine Jardine MP

  Kim Johnson MP

  Clive Jones MP

  Ben Lake MP

  Ian Lavery MP

  Brian Leishman MP

  Baroness Lister

  Rebecca Long-Bailey MP

  Baroness Ludford

  Douglas Macallister MP

  Brian Mathew MP

  Ben Maguire MP

  Cathal Mallaghan MP

  Blair McDougall MP

  John McDonnell MP

  Andy McDonald MP

  John Milne MP

  Calum Miller MP

  Layla Moran MP

  Graeme Morris MP

  The Rt Hon Lord

  McNally

  Lord McInnes of

  Kilwinning

  Edward Morello MP

  Paul Maskey MP

  Baroness Northover

  Sarah Olney MP

  Kate Osamor MP

  Kate Osborne MP

  Dr. Simon Opher MP

  Adrian Ramsay MP

  Martin Rhodes MP

  Lord Rooker

  Anna Sabine MP

  Lord Prem Sikka

  Vikki Slade MP

  The Rt Hon Sir Desmond

  Swayne MP

  Nadia Whittome MP

  Sir John Whittingdale MP

  Baroness Whitaker

  Paul Kohler MP

  Chris Law MP

  Bell Ribeiro Addy MP

  Freddie van Mierlo MP

  Caroline Voaden MP

  Zarah Sultana MP

  The Rt Hon Valerie Vaz

  MP

  Steve Witherden MP

  Munira Wilson MP

  Claire Young MP

Cuts to ELMS - and impact on NFM projects in constituency

• Alt Text

  19 May 2025

  Dear Minister Zeichner,

  Earlier this month, I met with many farmers in my constituency, all of whom were extremely concerned about

  the abrupt removal of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to new entrants. Despite the recent

  announcement of the scheme’s return – which no doubt offered some hope to those committed to its principles

  – questions remain, and damage has already been done. For farmers to plan effectively and have confidence

  in the scheme’s future, clarity and consistency are essential.

  Farmers whose applications were arbitrarily rejected due to the sudden cessation of the scheme’s application

  process – and those unable to guarantee eligibility criteria – now face renewed uncertainty. This is especially

  damaging given that farmers must plan crops and land use years in advance. Decisions made in previous

  seasons – often based on assumptions of continued support – determine what is possible now. They cannot

  simply react to abrupt subsidy changes. Financial support must enable and reward long-term planning, not

  undermine it. The fact that the NFU was only informed of the scheme’s withdrawal half an hour in advance

  (42 days short of the promised notice period) reinforces the impression that decision-makers fail to understand

  the economic pressures and instability facing many in our farming community. Farmers must be able to plan

  their financial future with greater certainty, and access to public funding must be fair and transparent.

  The SFI scheme is not perfect. However, it offered a meaningful replacement for the EU’s CAP payments and

  pointed to a future in which farmers could invest in the natural capital of their land. It allowed time, labour and

  money to be directed toward restoring hedgerows, improving water quality, reducing flood risk, and providing

  vital wildlife habitats – all through natural solutions. The Government stated that record numbers of farmers

  had enrolled for the final round. This demand should be lauded as a sign of a new era of nature-friendly

  farming, repairing the environmental harm caused by decades of industrial, intensive practices.

  In one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, this work is essential to reversing catastrophic

  biodiversity decline. Without this incentive, farmers tell me they will be forced to maximise productive land

  just to preserve modest gains. That might even include uprooting hedgerows or ploughing parcels of land

  previously returned to nature under earlier schemes.

  Last week’s statement pledging a replacement scheme offers little reassurance, with key decisions about its

  scope and scale left until after the Chancellor’s Spending Review. This raises serious concerns that the

  scheme’s future will be shaped by short-term Treasury pressures rather than the long-term needs of farming,

  climate adaptation, food security and nature recovery.

  I put to you some important questions. Will you confirm when the new eligibility criteria will be published?

  What steps are you taking to prioritise farmers affected by the abrupt closure? What reassurance can you give

  to those already in the SFI that they will be able to reapply in good time for future phases? And finally, can

  you guarantee that the full £2.4 billion annual farming budget will be protected through and beyond the

  Spending Review, so that Environmental Land Management schemes deliver on their promises for nature,

  food security, and rural livelihoods?

  I look forward to your response.