George Eustice

Minister ignores political reality of post-Brexit fisheries deal

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 21, 2020

The Committee initially wrote to Environment Secretary George Eustice MPin March about fears raised by its inquiry into access to British waters by foreign fishing fleets after the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.

Key Points: 
  • The Committee initially wrote to Environment Secretary George Eustice MPin March about fears raised by its inquiry into access to British waters by foreign fishing fleets after the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.
  • The response received from Victoria Prentis MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food was unsatisfactory and gave the impression that the Government is not genuinely seeking to reach a fisheries agreement.
  • While the Committee agrees with the Minister's point that the UK will have every right to control fishing access to its waters, the Minster ignored their central contention that exercising that right comes with consequences for both the fishing industry and the wider economy.
  • The Committees newly appointed Chair, Lord Teverson has asked the Minister to write to them again about the current state of play in the fisheries negotiations and whether she believes agreement will be reached by 1 July.

COVID-19 and food supply: MPs to question Secretary of State

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 23, 2020

Likely topics for discussion include measures taken to minimise and discourage panic-buying, the provision of food to households in self-isolation, and how those currently relying on food banks will be supported during the pandemic.

Key Points: 
  • Likely topics for discussion include measures taken to minimise and discourage panic-buying, the provision of food to households in self-isolation, and how those currently relying on food banks will be supported during the pandemic.
  • The Committee will also hear evidence on the impact of the outbreak on the hospitality industry, and its long-term effect on the food supply chain.
  • The Committee will then question the Secretary of State, considering food supply in relation to coronavirus, as well as other current issues facing DEFRA such as the response to the winter floods.
  • The Rt Hon George Eustice MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

COVID-19 and food supply: MPs to question Secretary of State

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 23, 2020

Likely topics for discussion include measures taken to minimise and discourage panic-buying, the provision of food to households in self-isolation, and how those currently relying on food banks will be supported during the pandemic.

Key Points: 
  • Likely topics for discussion include measures taken to minimise and discourage panic-buying, the provision of food to households in self-isolation, and how those currently relying on food banks will be supported during the pandemic.
  • The Committee will also hear evidence on the impact of the outbreak on the hospitality industry, and its long-term effect on the food supply chain.
  • The Committee will then question the Secretary of State, considering food supply in relation to coronavirus, as well as other current issues facing DEFRA such as the response to the winter floods.
  • The Rt Hon George Eustice MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Environment Secretary on the record: EU access to UK waters

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 27, 2020

At 10.00am Wednesday 4th March 2020, Committee Room 3, Palace of Westminster.

Key Points: 
  • At 10.00am Wednesday 4th March 2020, Committee Room 3, Palace of Westminster.
  • The Rt Hon George Eustice MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
    The EU and UK are aiming to negotiate what access EU fleets will have to UK fishing waters by 1 July this year.
  • The negotiations are a key part of the wider Brexit Deal, as the EU may want a trade deal subject to keeping fishing access the same as it is now.
  • The Secretary of State, who has previously given evidence to the Committee for its Brexit: Fisheries report, will represent the Government as the Committee explores important negotiating factors including:
    Whether the UK will apply new working conditions, such as remote electronic monitoring, to EU fleets

Environment Secretary on the record: EU access to UK waters

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 27, 2020

At 10.00am Wednesday 4th March 2020, Committee Room 3, Palace of Westminster.

Key Points: 
  • At 10.00am Wednesday 4th March 2020, Committee Room 3, Palace of Westminster.
  • The Rt Hon George Eustice MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
    The EU and UK are aiming to negotiate what access EU fleets will have to UK fishing waters by 1 July this year.
  • The negotiations are a key part of the wider Brexit Deal, as the EU may want a trade deal subject to keeping fishing access the same as it is now.
  • The Secretary of State, who has previously given evidence to the Committee for its Brexit: Fisheries report, will represent the Government as the Committee explores important negotiating factors including:
    Whether the UK will apply new working conditions, such as remote electronic monitoring, to EU fleets

Environment Secretary makes statement on flooding

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 25, 2020

George Eustice MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Foodand Rural Affairs updated the House on the recent flooding in the UK.

Key Points: 
  • George Eustice MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Foodand Rural Affairs updated the House on the recent flooding in the UK.
  • 18 river gages across 15 rivers recorded the highest levels of wateron record, triggered by the two storms.
  • Over 1,000 Environment Agency staff per day have been deployed, with the assistance of around 80 military personnel.
  • He also thanked the emergency services, the Environment Agency, local councils and volunteers.

Environment Secretary makes statement on flooding

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 25, 2020

George Eustice MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Foodand Rural Affairs updated the House on the recent flooding in the UK.

Key Points: 
  • George Eustice MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Foodand Rural Affairs updated the House on the recent flooding in the UK.
  • 18 river gages across 15 rivers recorded the highest levels of wateron record, triggered by the two storms.
  • Over 1,000 Environment Agency staff per day have been deployed, with the assistance of around 80 military personnel.
  • He also thanked the emergency services, the Environment Agency, local councils and volunteers.