Matthew has been appointed a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) following his re-election in May. Working with George Eustice, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Matthew will assist the Government to introduce its legislation in this area, deal with issues that emerge from the European Commission, take forward international negotiations on sustainable development and climate change and act as a liaison between the Minister and backbench MPS.

In the last Parliament Matthew served on the Environmental Audit Select Committee for three years and, also having an academic background in geography and environmental issues, he is enthusiastic about his new role.

Matthew said: “It is a great honour to have been asked to undertake this role and I am looking forward to assisting my Minister and DEFRA in addressing several pressing matters in food and farming, animal health and welfare and marine and fisheries, science and innovation and better regulation, to name just a few topics.

“Hendon may not be considered a ‘rural’ constituency but we all rely on DFERA to maintain food production and standards, ensure water purity and availability, tackle air pollution and protect our local environment. In addition to this many constituents write to me about a range of issues covered by DEFRA including bees and the use of pesticides, shechita and food labelling, TB in badgers and the use of electronic dog collars. I look forward to being able to have a direct input to such issues and working to address the concerns raised with me.”