Defra: In June 2019, the Secretary of State commissioned former Environment and Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon to undertake an independent review to examine whether and how the strongest protections for areas of sea, Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), could be introduced. The Benyon Review into HPMAs, published in June 2020, concluded that “HPMAs are an essential component of the MPA network”, […]

Read More

I came across this news piece on the NFFO website whilst looking for their views on the Greenpeace Dogger bank action (nothing yet). It reminded me of the Yes Minister episode where Sir Humphrey explains to the Minister how you discredit a report. (Interestingly interspersed with Australian politicians arguing why they shouldn’t act on climate […]

Read More

Consultation details Defra ‘As part of the UK government’s commitment to leave the environment in a better state than we inherited it, an independent review of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) – which represent the upper end of environmental protection – was publicly launched on the 8 June 2019. The 6 month review, led by ex-fisheries Minister Richard […]

Read More

TWO Articles 1.Cross Party MPs headed by Richard Benyon call for a complete overhaul of the outdated water abstraction regime With the general election now likely to take place as drought conditions threaten parts of the South East of England, a cross party group of MPs headed by former Environment Minister Richard Benyon, and backed […]

Read More