A parliamentary committee session this week drew attention after a sharp exchange between Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe and senior officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), focusing on regulation, staffing stability and priorities within the department.

During the hearing, Lowe criticised what he described as an excessive and confusing regulatory system facing farmers. He told the committee that many in the agricultural sector feel overwhelmed by changing rules and administrative requirements, which he said make it difficult for farmers to plan ahead or remain financially viable.

Lowe also raised concerns about environmental pressures, including river pollution, arguing that frontline rural and environmental challenges are not being addressed effectively.

The exchange intensified when discussion turned to internal departmental priorities. Lowe questioned DEFRA officials about their work on improving representation and inclusion across rural communities, suggesting that these objectives were being prioritised while operational problems affecting farmers and land managers remained unresolved.

He further highlighted what he described as a high level of staff turnover within DEFRA, claiming that frequent changes in personnel create inconsistency and leave farmers unsure who to contact for guidance or decisions. According to Lowe, this instability contributes to delays and confusion across the sector.

DEFRA representatives responded by outlining their ongoing programmes to support farmers, improve environmental protection and modernise rural policy delivery. They also defended their workforce and organisational reforms, stating that efforts to broaden participation in the countryside and rural industries can run alongside practical support for agriculture.