The REA is pleased to welcome Defra’s new Secretary of State, Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP. Dame Angela was appointed to post on 20th July 2026, the same day Andy Burnham assumed office as Prime Minister.
We’re also delighted to welcome the newly appointed Defra ministerial team. The REA has written to new ministers across Defra and DESNZ to welcome them and share REA’s key priorities. We have also published a document setting out early actions for the Burnham Administration’s first 100 days, showing how targeted policy can drive regional growth and deliver prosperity across the UK. Read more here.
Please see below the newly appointed Defra Ministerial Team, including their ministerial briefs.
We look forward to our continued work with Defra ministers and civil servants to keep the circular economy transition at the top of the department’s agenda.