UK Explained
Ministers’ meetings

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

66 meetings between ministers and outside organisations or people, as published by the department.

DateMetMinisterPurpose, as the department described it
30 Jun 2026Andrew George MP, Ben Maguire MP, Cornwall Council, Noah Law MP,Susan HaymanTo discuss coastal access, heritage considerations associated with the England Coast Path, and opportunities to improve access to nature.
30 Jun 2026Baroness TwycrossSusan HaymanTo discuss the inclusion of trail hunting in DCSM's inventory of living heritage.
30 Jun 2026Tibbets Group, Sean Woodcock MPSusan HaymanTo discuss a plant health incident affecting imported goods and the measures required to manage associated biosecurity risks.
28 Jun 2026Animal AidSusan HaymanAn introduction meeting to discuss Animal Aids work concerning wild animal welfare
25 Jun 2026Four PawsSusan HaymanTo discuss animal welfare policy issues, including fur, method of production labelling and trophy hunting.
25 Jun 2026Lord Trees, Danny Chambers MPSusan HaymanTo discuss proposals for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act and wider animal health policy issues.
23 Jun 2026Katrina GodfreySusan HaymanTo discuss oversight arrangements for veterinary regulation and reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
23 Jun 2026Nature Friendly Farming NetworkSusan HaymanTo discuss nature recovery and animal welfare.
22 Jun 2026Tom Bradshaw (NFU)Emma ReynoldsQuick meeting to discuss the farming roadmap publication and FPR response
22 Jun 2026Patrick Vallance (Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation), Nick Thomas-Symonds MP (Minister for the Cabinet Office)Susan HaymanTo discuss novel foods regulation and implications of the SPS Agreement for the sector.
17 Jun 2026British Veterinary AssociationSusan HaymanTo discuss the Government’s proposals for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act and the future regulation of the veterinary profession.
16 Jun 2026Royal College of Veterinary SurgeonsSusan HaymanMet with representatives of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to discuss proposals for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act and future veterinary regulation.
16 Jun 2026Family members affected by a fatal dog attack, Julia Buckley MPSusan HaymanMet with the mother of a victim of a fatal dog attack and her Member of Parliament to discuss dangerous dogs policy, responsible dog ownership and public safety.
10 Jun 2026Humane World for Animals, British Fur Trade Association, International Fur Federation, Respect for Animals, A-LawSusan HaymanBaroness Hayman attended a stakeholder working group on animal welfare issues associated with the fur trade and the evidence informing future policy development.
10 Jun 2026Karin Smyth MPSusan HaymanTo discuss veterinary regulatory reform and oversight arrangements.
10 Jun 2026British Meat Processors AssociationSusan HaymanTo discuss priorities for the meat processing sector and current trade and regulatory issues.
10 Jun 2026Lord Hart of TenbySusan HaymanTo discuss trail hunting and perspectives on options for addressing animal welfare concerns.
9 Jun 2026The River TrustEmma HardyDiscussions on the Water Reform Bill
9 Jun 2026Andrew Muir (Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland)Susan HaymanCatch up to discuss SPS arrangements, veterinary medicines, biosecurity and other matters relating to agriculture and the environment.
4 Jun 2026David Macmillan, Political Reporter, BBCSusan HaymanBaroness Hayman participated in a media interview to discuss Government policy on access to nature, green spaces and environmental improvement.
3 Jun 2026Save WindemereEmma HardyTo discuss Windemere
3 Jun 2026Save WindermereEmma ReynoldsMeeting to listen about the effects of water pollution on peoples lives and discuss suggestions to clean up lake windermere.
2 Jun 2026BASF (plastics and chemicals)Mary CreaghThe meeting focused on BASF's experience in circular economy innovation and its views on the policy and regulatory measures needed to support growth and increase circularity in the chemicals and plastics sectors.
2 Jun 2026Fairtrade FoundationMary CreaghThis meeting was requested by Fairtrade to discuss the work that they’re doing with Transform Trade to ensure the new UK deforestation regulations will be implemented in a way that does not shift the compliance burden disproportionately onto producers.
2 Jun 2026Chester ZooMary CreaghThe meeting brought together conservation organisations, zoos and government representatives to discuss the implementation of the Species Reintroduction Taskforce recommendations, including approaches to scaling up species recovery, reforming licensing processes, securing long-term funding, and increasing private sector and public participation in nature recovery.
2 Jun 2026World Business Council for Sustainable DevelopmentMary CreaghThe meeting discussed how the Global Circularity Protocol could support UK circular economy objectives, strengthen business engagement in circularity, and enhance collaboration between Defra and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
2 Jun 2026Agricultural Industries Confederation, Amivet, British Retail Consortium, British Ports Association, Federation of Small Businesses, Food and Drink Federation, Horticultural Trades Association, Logistics, National Farmers Union, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Shellfish Association of Great Britian.Susan HaymanBaroness Hayman chaired a meeting of the SPS Readiness Business Advisory Council to discuss business readiness, guidance and communications relating to the implementation of SPS arrangements.
2 Jun 2026Dr Giovanna Massei (Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control), Professor Steven BalmainSusan HaymanTo discuss research into animal fertility control and its potential application in wildlife and pest management.
2 Jun 2026Melanie VerwoerdSusan HaymanTo discuss animal welfare and conservation.
20 May 2026Surfers Against SewageEmma HardyTo discuss water reform
20 May 2026Pirbright Institute?, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, UK Research & Innovation?, Defra Science Advisory Council, Association of Chief Trading Standards Officers, UK Health Security Agency?, British Horse CouncilSusan HaymanBaroness Hayman chaired a roundtable to discuss the development of a new animal disease resilience
20 May 2026British Meat Processors Association, British Poultry, The Livestock Auctioneers' Association, British Egg Industry Council, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Animal, Health and Welfare Board England, The National Farmers' UnionSusan HaymanBaroness Hayman chaired a roundtable with representatives from the livestock, veterinary and food sectors to discuss the development of a new animal disease resilience strategy and approaches to strengthening disease prevention, preparedness and recovery.
19 May 2026FloodReady ChairEmma HardyMeeting with Chair of the FloodReady leadership group discussing flood preparedness
19 May 2026NFUEmma ReynoldsMeeting with NFU and Minister for Cabinet Office on NFU’s position on the UK-EU SPS Agreement
19 May 2026Worshipful Company of Farriers, Farriers Registration Council, Equine Podiatry Association, Animal Health Professions’ Register, Institute of Osteopathy, British Association of Equine Dental Technicians, Worldwide Association of Equine Dentistry, National Association of Cattle Foot Trimmers, Cattle Hoof Care Standards Board, Animal Behaviour , and Training Council, British and Irish Veterinary Technicians AssociationSusan HaymanMinister hosted roundtable with Allied Veterinary Professions to discuss reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
19 May 2026North of Ireland Veterinary Association, British Veterinary Association Northern Ireland, Neil Hudson MP, Ulster Farmers Union, British Veterinary Association, Veterinary Surgeons Supply Co, Lord Trees, The Rt Hon Hilary Benn, Secretary of State Northern IrelandSusan HaymanAttended a meeting with veterinary, farming and government stakeholders to discuss veterinary medicines policy and supply arrangements in Northern Ireland.
19 May 2026Food Standards AgencySusan HaymanTo discuss food safety and animal health matters, including enforcement, biosecurity risks and longer-term policy issues.
15 May 2026Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation, The Anglo-North Irish Fish Producers Organisation, The National Inshore Fisheries ForumSusan HaymanTo discuss challenges facing the fishing sector, including workforce and visa issues, access to fishing grounds, fuel costs, quotas and market pressures.
14 May 2026United Uilities, Atom Bank, Environment AgencyEmma HardyTo discuss Windemere
14 May 2026CBI, CBI London, Asda, Belfast Harbour Commissioners, Ulster Farmers' Union, Westland Horticulture, Musgrave Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, Division of Dawn MeatsSusan HaymanAttended a roundtable with business and industry representatives in Northern Ireland to discuss the implementation of recent SPS arrangements and wider issues affecting trade, regulation and business operations.
6 May 2026Scottish NFUEmma ReynoldsMeeting on fertilisers, food production resilience and security
29 Apr 2026Ranjit Singh Boparan (2 Sisters Food Group)Emma ReynoldsMeeting discussing planning for poultry sheds.
29 Apr 2026Sarah Bradbury (IGD)Emma ReynoldsDiscussion on food prices in the context of the middle east crisis response.
29 Apr 2026Rory StewartEmma ReynoldsMeeting discussing rural affairs and uplands.
29 Apr 2026Dr Rosamund Kissi-DebrahEmma ReynoldsMeeting to discuss her campaign on clean air policy.
29 Apr 2026Dover Port Health AuthoritySusan HaymanInformal meeting to discuss future funding with Dover Port Health Authority.
29 Apr 2026The National Farmer's UnionSusan HaymanTo discuss work on avian influenza.
29 Apr 2026Animal Health Welfare Board for EnglandSusan HaymanDiscussion on animal health and welfare policy priorities, including disease control, biosecurity, enforcement, livestock health, companion animal welfare, and government-industry collaboration.
28 Apr 2026British Soft Drinks AssociationMary CreaghThe meeting focused on the soft drinks industry's priorities and concerns regarding the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
28 Apr 2026Royal College of Veterinary SurgeonsSusan HaymanBaroness Hayman met with the RCVS to discuss proposals for the future regulation of the veterinary sector and the development of a new Veterinary Surgeons Act.
28 Apr 2026Point to Point Authority, Hunting Kind, Countryside Alliance, Association of Harriers and Beagles, British Hound Sports Association, Country Land and Business Association,Susan HaymanMinisterial hosted roundtable with external stakeholders to discuss trail hunting ban, encouraging views on any community, social, business, economic or environmental impacts potentially associated with the ban and how it is brought into effect.
28 Apr 2026League Against Cruel Sports, Hunt Saboteurs Association, RSPCA, Gammon Piercy & Gaiger LLP, Clean Boot Hunting Association, Wildlife and Countryside Link, Wildlife Guardian, Nature Watch Foundation, Protect the WildSusan HaymanMinisterial hosted roundtable with external stakeholders to discuss trail hunting ban, encouraging views on any community, social, business, economic or environmental impacts potentially associated with the ban and how it is brought into effect.
27 Apr 2026Mary-Ann Ochota / Protected Landscapes PartnershipMary CreaghMinister Creagh appointed Mary-Ann Ochota as the first Independent Chair of the Protected Landscapes Partnership (PLP) and had an introductory meeting with her in January. This meeting was to check in with Mary-Ann to find out how she is settling into her role, what progress she has made, and reaffirm priorities.
22 Apr 2026National Office of Animal HealthSusan HaymanA meeting with representatives from the pharmaceutical industry to discuss supply of vet meds to Northern Ireland.
21 Apr 2026Mother of deceased child and friendEmma ReynoldsMeeting to hear about family experiences and effects of water pollution on lives.
21 Apr 2026Tom Bradshaw (NFU)Emma ReynoldsMeeting to discuss farming and the SPS agreement and middle east crisis impact on farmers.
21 Apr 2026Tikki Hywood Foundation and City of London PoliceMary CreaghMeeting with Lisa Hywood (Tikki Hywood Foundation) and Tracy Alexander (Director of Forensic Services for the City of London Police) to discuss the illegal wildlife trade (IWT).
21 Apr 2026Wild Life Guardian, Four Paws, Humane World for Animals, World Animal Protection, Borne Free, Ban Trophy Hunting, Zimbabwe Elephant Foundation, Lion AidSusan HaymanMinisterial roundtable with NGOs to discuss the ban on the import of hunting trophies.
21 Apr 2026UK Centre for Animal LawSusan HaymanTo discuss enforcement around the fur industry
20 Apr 2026Nature Friendly Farming NetworkEmma HardyDiscussion on fertiliser use and farmer behaviour
16 Apr 2026Defra Group Trade UnionsEmma HardyTo discuss water refoms
15 Apr 2026Oliver Munn (Rural Payments Association)Emma ReynoldsMeeting to progress and check in to discuss digital transformation, SFI26, and horticulture support funding
15 Apr 2026Karen Betts (FDF)Emma ReynoldsMeeting in the context of the Middle East, discussed plastic packaging supply chains, energy costs for food businesses.
14 Apr 2026Institution of Civil EngineersEmma HardyTo discuss water engineering
14 Apr 2026Ball CorporationMary CreaghDiscussion with with Ball Corporation and Alupro to discuss the environmental implications of UK aluminium scrap exports
14 Apr 2026Supportive pEPR GroupMary CreaghThe purpose of this meeting was to thank the stakeholders for their support. Stakeholders were also reassured that pEPR implementation is going smoothly and of the government’s ambition for the collection and packaging reforms

A meeting is a record that two sides spoke. It does not say what was agreed. Source: GOV.UK, source file. Open Government Licence.