08 Oct 2019
Shocking news – Boris goes back on his word
The Independent reports that Boris Johnson is scrapping a commitment by Theresa May to stick to EU rules on the environment, safety standards and workers’ rights – to raise his chances of getting a trade agreement with Donald Trump. The “level playing field”, included in the Brexit deal negotiated by the former prime minister, was […]
05 Sep 2019
Boris Johnson has sought to break away from EU Environmental regulations in negotiations
Note: many of these links are behind pay-walls. Business Green: The Prime Minister Boris Johnson sought to break away from EU environmental and social standards after Brexit, demanding Brussels rewrite previously-agreed terms committing the UK a ‘level playing field’ with Europe on trade and regulations, according to reports. During talks with Brussels last week over a […]
25 Jul 2019
Environment Bill: Stronger protections for the environment move closer as landmark Bill takes shape – Defra
New measures to enhance wildlife, transform our waste system and improve the resilience of water supplies have been set out today by Environment Secretary Michael Gove (Tuesday 23 July). In an update on progress towards the introduction of the landmark Environment Bill – the first for 20 years – the government has published firm positions, […]
04 Jul 2019
Lots of Money for Climate & Environment Projects on a regional basis – Two Themes
Bob Earll Each week in preparing Water News I scan the Defra website. This week this site is awash with individual regional calls for projects under two themes: Call for project’s promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and management’ Call for project’s focusing on preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency’ This is […]
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. […]
26 Mar 2019
Michael Gove questioned by MPs on the provisions of the Environment Bill – Watch the Video
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, […]
14 Mar 2019
Net Gain: Government to mandate net gain in the forthcoming Environment Bill
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 […]