26 Mar 2019

Questioning goes to the heart of the provisions in the Bill on audit and the principles at the heart of sustainability and environmental management. EAC ‘The Environmental Audit Committee examines the proposed Office for Environmental Protection, the environmental principles, Environmental Improvement Plans, collaboration with the devolved administrations and no-deal preparations. Witnesses   Wednesday 20 March 2019, […]

17 Mar 2019

Defra  ‘Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Michael Gove, has reappointed Emma Howard Boyd as Chair of the Environment Agency.  In confirming the reappointment, Secretary of State Michael Gove said:  I am grateful for Emma’s strong leadership and achievements over her first term. She has played a crucial part in the Environment […]

14 Mar 2019

Defra ‘The Government has today (13 March) confirmed that new developments must deliver an overall increase in biodiversity. Following our consultation last year, the Chancellor confirmed today in the Spring Statement that the government will use the forthcoming Environment Bill to mandate ‘biodiversity net gain’ – meaning the delivery of much-needed infrastructure and housing is not at the expense […]

05 Mar 2019

Preparing for a grim reality – the Defra website is bursting with technical briefings on everything from fisheries to chemicals, two sets of guidance on fisheries and importing and exporting fish. Ditto the MMO website The fisheries sector and preparing for EU Exit   If the UK leaves the EU on 29 March without a deal, […]

24 Feb 2019

From Nathan Richardson, Waterwise: Hot on the heels of the current Defra consultation on Improving Management of Water in the Environment  Defra are preparing to consult and seek evidence on a range of water efficiency policy options including: potentially setting a target for personal water consumption introducing a water labelling scheme tightening water efficiency standards in building […]

24 Feb 2019

Defra ‘Conservation covenants will unleash a new wave of legal safeguards for England’s wildlife and natural environment, subject to a consultation launched by Environment Secretary Michael Gove today (22 February). The government is seeking views on how best to introduce conservation covenants, fulfilling a commitment made in the 25 Year Environment Plan. They are voluntary but legally-binding […]

20 Feb 2019

The government launches a series of consultations to overhaul the waste system. Published 18 February 2019 From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, HM Treasury, The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, and The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP Press release and details of consultations Government launches consultations to overhaul the waste system, cut plastic pollution, and move […]