Could you set out how you are supporting London’s farmers against the threat they face from local authorities that want to de-designate Green Belt land where many of London’s farms are located?

I am clear about the importance of the Green Belt and my London Plan provides strong protection for London’s Green Belt. Policy G2 protects the many positive uses of the Green Belt which benefit London and Londoners – and this includes farming and food growing. Local authorities may only de-designate Green Belt land where they are able to demonstrate exceptional circumstances, through the preparation or review of a Local Plan.

Authorities therefore need to explore all available and suitable brownfield land opportunities to accommodate growth and exhaust these options or rule them out for appropriate reasons before making any case for exceptional circumstances as justification for Green Belt release. This will be a matter for an independent Planning Inspector to determine through the process of examination of a Local Plan.