Asim Ali, ISEP’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, delves into the UK Government's recent policy announcements on climate action, biodiversity, and clean energy.
Highlights have included the appointment of Ruth Davis OBE as the first-ever Special Representative for Nature, alongside a new ban on single-use vapes to protect ecosystems and reduce waste, plus the launch of cutting-edge Carbon Capture Clusters in Teesside and Merseyside aimed at driving substantial green investment.
The Chancellor also delivered the first Labour Budget in 14 years. Read ISEP’s analysis here.
What else has happened over the last month across government and in Parliament?
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
UK Appoints First-Ever Special Representative for Nature
Ruth Davis OBE has been appointed as the UK’s inaugural Special Representative for Nature. Announced in conjunction with the opening of COP16 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Colombia.
New Legislation to Ban Single-Use Vapes in England by June 2025
The UK government has announced a new measure to ban the sale of single-use vapes in England starting from June 2025. The legislation aims to tackle the growing environmental and safety issues associated with disposable vapes.
UK Climate Finance Achieves Global Impact on Emissions Reduction and Climate Adaptation
The UK’s latest International Climate Finance (ICF) report reveals significant contributions toward global climate action, including helping over 110 million people worldwide adapt to the effects of climate change.
Department of Energy Security and Net Zero
Revamped Solar Taskforce for 2030 Clean Power Mission
The UK’s reactivated Solar Taskforce held its first meeting, setting ambitious goals to expand solar energy as part of the nation’s clean energy transition. With plans for a new roadmap focusing on ethical supply chains and workforce development, the taskforce aims to drive rapid solar deployment, contributing to the UK’s energy independence by 2030.
Carbon Capture Clusters in Teesside and Merseyside to Drive Green Investment The government has greenlit the UK’s first major carbon capture projects in Teesside and Merseyside. Expected to attract £8 billion in private investment and create thousands of jobs, these clusters will capture CO₂ emissions, advancing the country’s journey to net-zero.
New Scheme to Boost Investment in Renewable Energy Storage
Aiming to strengthen energy independence, the government’s Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) scheme will incentivise private investment to unlock billions for renewable energy storage projects.
Expert Advisory Commission Established for the Clean Power 2030 Mission
The newly formed Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission includes eight energy and environmental experts to guide the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. With nearly 200 years of combined experience, these commissioners will support the government in achieving its target of a fully decarbonised power grid by 2030.
Boosting Clean Energy Jobs and Investment in Scotland
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced a partnership with the Scottish Government to accelerate clean energy funding and establish Aberdeen as the headquarters of Great British Energy. New “skills passports” will also support oil and gas workers transitioning to the renewable energy sector.
Strategic Energy Infrastructure Plan for Long-Term Stability
DESNZ and regional governments are developing the first strategic spatial energy infrastructure plan, to be released in 2026. This long-term blueprint aims to reduce grid connection wait times, enhance investment stability, and support the UK’s clean energy mission.
Reforms to Speed Up Scottish Clean Energy Projects
A joint UK and Scottish government consultation proposes changes to streamline the planning process for large energy projects in Scotland. By simplifying infrastructure consents, these updates aim to unlock a wealth of clean energy projects, advancing the UK’s energy independence goals.
Select Committees
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
The House of Commons has formally appointed the membership of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.
Environmental Audit Committee
The House of Commons has formally appointed the membership of the Environmental Audit Committee.
Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
The House of Commons has formally appointed the membership of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee.
All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs)
Environment APPG
The Environment APPG recently held a series of cross-party roundtables to engage parliamentarians on key UK environmental policies and global climate issues.
In the first session, MPs and Peers gained insights into UK nature policy from top voices like RSPB CEO Beccy Speight, diversity activist Dr. Mya-Rose Craig, Nature Friendly Farming Network’s Anthony Curwen, and AtkinsRealis environmental economist Charlotte Sudgens. They discussed the current state of UK nature and highlighted the changes needed over the next five years.
A second roundtable, alongside the Climate APPG, connected MPs with leading climate scientists to review the latest data on climate change causes and impacts, as well as the UK’s role in reducing global emissions.
For new MPs, the APPG organised a COP16-focused session, allowing them to explore the UK’s goals for the conference and understand their role in driving ambitious outcomes for global biodiversity.
Asim joined ISEP in May 2022 as a Senior Public Affairs Officer. Prior to joining ISEP, Asim worked in a variety of roles for three Members of Parliament and interned for the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. He also holds an MA in Human Rights, Globalisation & Justice
