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Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: National Security

Asked by Mr Tanmanjeet Singh DhesiLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 6 January 2026UIN 100386

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who is the Chief Risk Officer for national security risks relating to the work of their Department.

Answered by Emma Hardy

The Department does not have a formally designated Chief Risk Officer for national security risks. As with other Lead Government Departments, each Defra-owned risk in the National Risk Register (NRR) has a designated Risk Owner who is responsible for that risk area in the Department. These risks are discussed internally by the Executive Committee. The Secretary of State and accounting officers are ultimately responsible for all risks Defra owns.

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