Defra UK

Official feed for Defra, UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Please note: we do not respond to queries on social media.

[Defra UK @DefraGovUK]

We've welcomed our full ministerial team to Defra 👇

[Defra UK @DefraGovUK]

This isn't just fly-tipping. Large-scale waste crime is often fuelled by serious organised crime.

We're stopping the cycle — faster prevention, sharper intelligence, stronger coordination to protect your community.

Read more: https://t.co/xCoEff2oOY

[Defra UK @DefraGovUK]

Fly-tippers show a blatant disregard for our communities and it's time they took responsibility for their actions.

We want to give councils powers to make offenders clear up the communities they have harmed and pay for the cost.

[Andy Burnham @andyburnham]

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

[Defra UK @DefraGovUK]

We’re cracking down on waste crime.

We want to make those who dump waste illegally and fail to handle it correctly face fines of up to £5,000.

Learn more: https://t.co/xCoEff2oOY

[Andy Burnham @andyburnham]

For years, communities have been left to live alongside mountains of illegally dumped waste while criminal gangs profit.

It’s just not right.

So we’re cleaning up some of the worst sites in the country.

But we’re not just cleaning up after the criminals, we’re going after them. More officers, stronger powers, and much bigger fines.

These places have been ignored for too long. Not anymore.

[APHA @APHAgovuk]

Bluetongue cases are rising rapidly, with severe clinical signs being reported. Join the #BattleBluetongue webinar on 19 Aug, 5-6pm, to hear the latest updates from industry experts and vets. Register now and stay informed: https://t.co/QDkEgXQaMa

[APHA @APHAgovuk]

Bluetongue cases are rising rapidly. Look out for clinical signs and report any suspicions of disease.

🐄 456 confirmed cases since 1 July 2026: 439 in England, 13 in Wales, 4 in Scotland🐑
☎️ Suspect it? Contact APHA
💉Speak to your vet about vaccination
https://t.co/dL7ygfoLmV

[Stephen Morgan MP @StephenMorganMP]

Grateful to Luke and family for hosting me today on farm and with @NFUtweets to discuss the impact of Bluetongue virus.

This disease poses serious challenges, particularly alongside the heat and drought many farmers are battling.

Support is available online, and I'd urge vigilance and reporting to APHA: https://t.co/3SlEjZd3PM

[Stephen Morgan MP @StephenMorganMP]

Today, @andyburnham and I met farmers in Cornwall who are dealing with the effects of one of the driest summers in recent years.

They need practical support now, and we're responding with measures to back English farming through the challenges ahead👇🏻
https://t.co/XgkPzxK0si

[Defra UK @DefraGovUK]

Farmers are facing some of the toughest drought conditions in decades.

We're boosting SFI funding to £290 million, offering up to £15 million for on-farm water storage, and easing rules so farmers keep environmental payments despite the extreme weather: https://t.co/Q3pG2WBu9j

[Andy Burnham @andyburnham]

We cannot accept this as the new normal.

[Defra UK @DefraGovUK]

Bluetongue cases are increasing.

We’re addressing some common misconceptions about vaccination, fertility and restrictions.

For the latest information on cases, restrictions and what you need to do: https://t.co/HqdjNbu7Jl

[Natural England @NaturalEngland]

RED EXTREME WILDFIRE RISK ACROSS ENGLAND!⚠️

This means the risk of wildfires is at the highest possible level.

To keep people and nature safe:

🔥Choose picnic > BBQ
🎒Take litter home
📞Report unattended fires by calling 999

#Wildfire

📹: Hampshire Wildlife Trust

[Defra UK @DefraGovUK]

Are you working in farming, food or the wider agri-food sector?

The UK-EU SPS Agreement will make trading goods with the EU easier, cheaper and more predictable.🚜

We're working with businesses to prepare for future changes.

Find out more: https://t.co/zVgBiHYUPf

[Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Gov @mhclg]

Heading to a festival this weekend? 🎪
If you're camping, help protect our countryside.
Hot, dry weather means wildfires can spread fast. Take care with BBQs, campfires and cigarettes. 🔥
See a wildfire? Move to safety and call 999 immediately.

[Defra UK @DefraGovUK]

Marine Minister, @StephenMorganMP, visited the Port of Tyne to see the ongoing response to the nurdle pollution incident.

We will continue to work with partners to understand what more can be done to help accelerate recovery operations.

Find out more: https://t.co/pAiWwZzqDu

[Natural England @NaturalEngland]

As our climate changes, severe wildfires are becoming more common.

From the site of the devastating wildfire at @ntdunwichheath in Suffolk, our chair @TonyJuniper explains how more diverse landscapes can help reduce the risk.

➡️ https://t.co/4EL3Npzk3x

#Wildfire #DunwichHeath

[Natural England @NaturalEngland]

There is an exceptional risk of wildfires starting and spreading this weekend. ⚠️

If you are visiting the countryside, please follow this advice to reduce the risk of harm to people and nature.

Please share this message to keep people and wildlife safe.

[Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Gov @mhclg]

Wildfires don't just happen. Most start with human activity.

Dropped cigarettes, unextinguished BBQs and campfires, and deliberate fire-setting are amongst the biggest causes in the UK.

Dry, hot, windy weather makes it worse. Play your part – stay safe outdoors.

[Defra UK @DefraGovUK]

One year of the Good Food Cycle.

@StephenMorganMP reflects on a year of progress towards a more affordable, more sustainable and more resilient food system.

This is just the start 🍎