The introduction of Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMSs) was one of the few welcome elements of the Agriculture Bill (now Act), which I otherwise opposed because of its failure to enshrine the UK’s food production standards in law, post-Brexit.

I support the principle of paying farmers for their help in improving the environment and therefore I was concerned to see reports that the Government is potentially abandoning plans for ELMSs.

In addition to the environmental harm that this would do, it would also be highly disruptive for our agricultural communities, as many farmers have already changed their plans to adjust to the new legislation.

I will therefore follow developments on the ELMSs closely and push for them to be maintained.

Currently, agricultural practices are thought to be responsible for approximately a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions globally and I am concerned that the continuation of current agricultural practices is incompatible with recent international agreements to tackle climate change.

We must find ways to reduce the damage that farming has on the environment, and I believe that people in the farming sector overwhelmingly want to see farming conducted in a more sustainable way.

Farming’s position at the forefront of the climate crisis means it offers a powerful tool for fighting back. The UK has become one of the world’s least biodiverse nations but, with the right support, I believe that agriculture can play a critical role through conserving, protecting and enhancing our natural ecosystems. These practices can generate healthier soil, good food and greater biodiversity.

Our nature teeters on a cliff edge. We need biodiversity targets but they must be ambitious and aim for a dramatic incline in species abundance, not just a halt to the current decline. Protecting biodiversity and restoring habitats and wildlife must be a priority, and I can assure you that this is what my Opposition Colleagues and I will be advocating for in Parliament.