Answer from Hansard

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)

We have had a difficult summer, with a prolonged period without rain, which has put enormous stress on our landscapes. Our farms and natural resources are under increased pressure due to climate change. The Prime Minister has asked me to ensure that communities have more of a say in how water is managed, which is all the more important given the summer that we have had. The warnings are clear: if we are to be resilient when it comes to water and food security, we have to help farmers farm differently. Resilience is also about ensuring that the poorest in our communities can have access to good, nutritious food.