2025 April

At HTA drop-in event on 23 April 2025, there was a great plant give-away to raise awareness of the needs of the gardening and green space sector. The HTA counts 1,400 UK garden businesses among their membership who contribute to the UK’s economy, environment, health and wellbeing. According to their figures, UK environmental horticulture supported

Mark Lockhart (l)Jotun Paints & Tom Bowtell British Coatings Federation (BCF) held a  parliamentary drop-in on 23 April 2025 and I am pictured above with president Sharon Harte (l) and Tom Bowtell (r) CEO.  BCF represents 95% of the coatings industry, which contributes £4 billion a year to the UK economy, directly employing 14,000 people. 

On Wednesday 23 April 2025 I chaired the Delegated Legislation Committee, which considered the draft Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) Regulations 2025. The motion was moved by Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.  This statutory instrument aims to address the  flaws in supply relations and the lack of meaningful contractual relations between buyers

On 8 April 2025 I was delighted to join in celebrations with members of the Sikh community amongst other guests at No10 Downing Street ahead of Vaisakhi celebrations. I attended with a constituent Louis Gill from Pleck. Vaisakhi marks the founding of the Khalsa in 1699, and No10 was adorned with flowers and candles. There was a