18 Jul 2019
EFRA Committee Report on Defra’s National Policy Statement on Water Resource Infrastructure
This inquiry was launched following the Government’s publication of a draft National Policy Statement (NPS) for Water Resources Infrastructure. It sets out the government’s policy for development of nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) for water resources in England. Read the conclusions and recommendations Read the summary Read the full report The National Infrastructure Commission has […]
13 Jul 2019
Suffolk coastal erosion: Thorpeness residents could pay more towards defences – Consultation
The Suffolk consultation comes against a background of two other consultations – one by the Environment Agency and also one being run by Defra for Government on its policy response. Both the Chair and CEO of the Environment Agency in promoting the EA consultation have highlighted the option of abandoning particular communities where the cost […]
10 Jul 2019
Government calls for evidence on floods and coastal erosion – consultation
Defra The public, scientists, local authorities and industry are invited to give their views on urgent questions and inform future policies. The government has today (Monday 8 July) launched a call for evidence which will form the basis for future policies to protect people, businesses and the environment from the devastating effects of flooding and coastal […]
11 Jun 2019
Net Gain – Why we need a statutory system for the Marine Environment
ABPmer, Steve Hull: UK marine habitats and species continue to experience some notable declines. This represents a serious failure of existing marine conservation policy and practice. The 2011 Natural Environment White Paper – The Natural Choice aspired for ‘this to be the first generation to leave the natural environment of England in a better state […]
06 Jun 2019
Early review of the new farming programme – key to water & land use – National Audit Office
National Audit Office ‘The government’s new farming policy will be a significant change for farmers in England and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has a lot to do to prepare for its implementation at a time when its resources are already under immense pressure from its preparations for EU Exit. In […]
Cetacean Bycatch Workshop: Hauling Up Solutions ………..a start
Well this is start – and informative material made quickly available after the March workshop – a sense of urgency. And the problem is urgent as this winter’s bycatch data shows. But the problems are clear, not least with huge numbers of dolphins being washed up on French and SW English coasts which Sea Shepherd […]
28 May 2019
Theresa May resigns, Michael Gove stands in PM vote – New set of ministers in July
Bob Earll blog: With the resignation of Theresa May, and the election for a new Prime Minister a great deal will change. Michael Gove is standing in the election for the next Tory leader and whoever wins it seems likely that there will be a major change of the ministerial team and leadership at Defra. […]