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Tag Archives: Environment Bill

A legal target to restore England’s protected sites could be transformative for nature

Posted on 2 December, 2021 by Green Alliance blog One comment

This post is by Professor Sir John Lawton CBE FRS, chair of the Making space for nature panel.

“There are twenty-seven ancient cathedrals in England. Imagine the outrage that would have ensued in this country if over the last 100 years, twelve had been partly demolished, nine substantially demolished, and three completely obliterated; only three would remain in good condition. Yet this is precisely what has happened to many of England’s finest wildlife sites.”

Natural environment

It is momentous that we finally have an Environment Act, so what now?

Posted on 9 November, 2021 by Ruth Chambers One comment

It’s a historic day. The first dedicated Environment Act for nearly 30 years has passed. The act is undoubtedly welcome and greatly improved since it was first proposed in draft form in 2018, thanks to a colossal effort involving parliamentarians of all parties, businesses, NGOs and campaigners.

Political leadership

The Environment Bill is how the government can cement its green ambitions long term

Posted on 20 October, 2021 by Ruth Chambers Leave a comment

The environment is dominating the airwaves with numerous policy consultations, announcements and debate. But green ambitions and rhetoric must be anchored in law to propel action when all the noise quietens down or future political leaders waiver.

Political leadership

The further delay to the Environment Bill is a big blow to UK green leadership

Posted on 13 September, 2021 by Ruth Chambers One comment

Over the weekend, The Daily Telegraph broke the story that the Environment Bill was to be beset by a further delay of unknown length. The paper had received a briefing from Downing Street that the government was reluctant to accept amendments passed last week when the House of Lords debated the bill.

Political leadership

It’s crunch time for the Environment Bill

Posted on 18 August, 2021 by Ruth Chambers Leave a comment

The government’s landmark Environment Bill is nearing the end of a complex and fraught journey. When Parliament returns on 6 September, Peers will debate and vote on a series of key amendments. The bill is expected to pass in the autumn ahead of the COP26 summit, where we hope that it will help spur successful negotiations.

Political leadership

Why the Environment Bill’s interim targets must be legally enforceable

Posted on 23 June, 2021 by Green Alliance blog One comment

This post is by Zoe Avison, policy analyst at Green Alliance.

The Environment Bill is currently being scrutinised in the House of Lords and returns today for another session of debate on a mammoth list of amendments put forward for consideration.

Political leadership

The new 2030 species target is a watershed moment for wildlife

Posted on 18 May, 2021 by Ruth Chambers One comment

This government is not short of environmental aspiration. It wants to have the most ambitious environmental programme of any country on earth and has cast its sights beyond immediate horizons, promising to leave the environment in a better state for future generations. However noble, long term goals need legal anchors and decisive delivery to keep them on course.

Natural environment

The return of the Environment Bill is the acid test of the government’s green promises

Posted on 6 May, 2021 by Ruth Chambers One comment

The new parliamentary session which starts on 11 May will be a crucial one for the environment. In this ‘super year’ of major international nature and climate summits, parliament will debate and pass the first dedicated Environment Bill for over twenty years.

Political leadership

To lead the world this year on the environment, the UK must put its own house in order first

Posted on 4 February, 2021 by Ruth Chambers One comment

A welcome new report from the cross cutting Public Accounts Committee has set down a clear challenge for the government on why action to meet its long term environmental goals must be accelerated.

Coming only days after the announcement that the flagship Environment Bill was being carried over into the next parliamentary session, bringing a delay of some six months, the report offers a timely reminder that environmental progress cannot be assumed and requires sustained leadership and commitment.

Political leadership

This new delay to the Environment Bill now threatens the government’s green credentials

Posted on 26 January, 2021 by Ruth Chambers 2 comments

This is meant to be a year of environmental ambition. In November, the prime minister announced his plan for a green industrial revolution, while COP President Alok Sharma’s recurring message is that “…urgent action is the only way to meet our [climate] goal”.