| DEFRA

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), is the Government body responsible for animal health and welfare. Defra’s policy is created by the Ministers appointed by the Prime Minister who each hold different portfolios of responsibility.

The Secretary of State, George Eustice MP, has overall responsibility for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Lord Zac Goldsmith is the Minister with responsibility for animal welfare

Lord Gardiner is the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for animal health and biosecurity.

Victoria Prentice M is the Minister responsible for farming including Agriculture Bill, Environmental Land Management, the Common Agricultural Policy and pesticides

Rebecca Pow MP is Under-Secretary of State for domestic natural environment including biodiversity, marine, net gain, wildlife, pollinators

You can contact Defra by writing to: Customer Contact Unit, Area 3B, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR or email defra.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Defra’s work is scrutinised by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee comprised of cross-party MPs and chaired by Neil Parish MP, the former chairman of APGAW from 2010-15.