Member

Having said all that, I would like to particularly address those noble Lords who have spoken who will be leaving us shortly: the noble Earl, Lord Devon, and the noble Lords, Lord Curry, Lord Carrington and Lord Inglewood. They have all made very valuable, knowledgeable contributions to today’s debate. We will miss their contributions—as the Defra Minister, I certainly will. I thank them for all the time they have put into considering the different policies and pieces of legislation we have put forward from Defra. I thank them for their knowledge and expertise, and for the collaborative way in which they have always worked with me, now as Minister and previously as shadow Minister. I also personally thank them for their friendship.