The Latest Breaking News from Steve Reed

Environment secretary says Labour is aiming for half of food procured for the public sector to come from British farms

National Farmers’ Union urged ministers to ‘pause and consult’ Rachel Reeves’ Budget changes

The Rural Affairs Secretary took questions about changes to inheritance tax reliefs in the Commons.

Consumer groups said the bill rises will be more than many households can afford, as campaigners accused Ofwat of caving to pressure from firms.

Regulators have allowed water firms to raise bills significantly over the next five years. PA news agency asks why, and explains what happens next.

‘Complete reset’ of water industry needed in face of poor service, pollution and leaks, says Steve Reed

Thousands of farmers travelled to London on November 19 to protest the new government’s first budget and its imposition of new inheritance tax rules. Nearly a month later, on December 12, there was another protest, this time with more tractors, fewer celebrities, and only a tiny fraction of the media…

The Wildlife Trusts and WWF are among numerous bodies who have signed a letter to Environment Secretary Steve Reed raising their concerns.

Every local area will follow the same rules when the changes take effect from March