Investment zones with “liberalised” planning laws to accelerate development could be designated within national parks and in the most environmentally protected areas of the UK, government documents reveal and reported in the Guardian.     Details of the government’s new zones to increase housebuilding and commercial development reveal councils can apply for zones in national parks, […]

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Better regulation needed to protect environment and boost economy, says Environment Agency Chief Executive.  The Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Sir James Bevan, is calling for a modern approach to regulation in order to protect air, land, and water from future threats, including the climate emergency. Sir James’ appeal comes as the UK contemplates […]

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Guardian on impact of Freeports   ‘The looming cranes of the Humber’s four ports are surrounded by wildlife, from bitterns and marsh harriers to grey seals, lounging on the mudflats and hunting for fish in the estuary waters. Despite the steady flow of cargo ships in and out of the ports, wildlife has thrived – testament […]

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Martin Brocklehurst’s Blog (martin.brocklehurst@me.com) The Aldersgate Group has recently released a report Help or Hindrance – The Role of Environmental Regulations in the UK’s Industrial Strategy. It makes a strong case for the business value of regulation and debunks the myth that de-regulation is better for the economy. See the report at: http://www.aldersgategroup.org.uk/latest#beyond-red-tape-smart-regulations-are-key-to-delivering-uk-industrial-and-environmental-ambitions Successive Governments […]

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One has to be wary of using cultural references so here is an explanation of Doublespeak – Wikipedia, ‘Doublespeak is language that deliberately disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words. Doublespeak may take the form of euphemisms (e.g., “downsizing” for layoffs, “servicing the target” for bombing), in which case it is primarily meant to […]

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