Asim Ali, ISEP’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, examines the UK Government's policy announcements from September and how they affect the goals of decarbonisation and environmental sustainability. This blog post is part of a monthly series that also reflects on the activity of relevant select committees and all-party parliamentary groups.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Legislation Targets Water Pollution by Industry Leaders
In a move to tackle pollution in Britain’s waterways, the government has introduced the Water (Special Measures) Bill. The new bill grants regulators the authority to take swift and decisive action against water companies responsible for polluting rivers, lakes, and seas, ensuring stricter accountability for environmental damage and customer neglect.
Investors Key to Rebuilding the UK’s Water Infrastructure
The UK government is actively seeking billions in private-sector investment to repair outdated water infrastructure and improve the quality of rivers, lakes, and seas across the country.
UK Leads Push for Sustainable Agriculture at G20
At the recent G20 Agriculture Ministers meeting in Brazil, the UK played a leading role in securing a vital declaration focused on promoting sustainable farming and food security. Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner, affirmed the UK's dedication to fostering sustainable agri-food systems as part of the G20 Agricultural Declaration.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
New Protections from Rogue Energy Brokers
A government consultation is underway to introduce regulations for third-party energy services, aiming to protect consumers and businesses from unregulated energy brokers. These proposed regulations will help ensure transparency, tackle hidden fees, and empower consumers to access low-carbon and energy-efficient tariffs.
Home Upgrades for Renters
More than a million UK households will benefit from new plans to raise minimum energy efficiency standards in rental properties. This initiative aims to lift families out of fuel poverty by ensuring homes meet modern standards by 2030, offering tenants warmer homes and cheaper bills
Great British Energy HQ to Lead Clean Energy Push from Aberdeen
Aberdeen has been chosen as the headquarters for the newly established Great British Energy, a publicly-owned company dedicated to driving clean, homegrown energy. With smaller sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow, the company will leverage Scotland’s engineering expertise to create jobs, boost energy independence, and support the UK’s clean energy revolution.
Rachel Kyte Appointed as UK’s Special Representative for Climate
Rachel Kyte has been appointed as the UK’s Special Representative for Climate, tasked with increasing international diplomatic efforts on climate and clean energy. Her role marks a renewed focus on restoring the UK’s position as a global climate leader.
Record Pipeline of Clean Energy Projects Secured
The UK government has funded 131 clean energy projects through its sixth renewables auction, enough to power 11 million homes. This major boost to offshore wind and solar farms is part of Britain’s push to become a clean energy superpower, reduce energy bills, and drive economic growth.
New National Energy System Operator to Oversee UK’s Clean Energy Future
A new publicly owned body, the National Energy System Operator, will be responsible for planning the UK’s electricity and gas networks. The organisation will play a key role in ensuring energy security, reducing bills in the long term, and accelerating the transition to clean power by 2030.
Global Cooperation on Civil Nuclear Fuel
The UK, alongside the US, Canada, Japan, and France, has committed to building resilient supply chains for nuclear fuel, reducing reliance on Russian fuel. The $5.6 billion mobilised so far will support the creation of alternative nuclear fuel supply chains, enhancing global energy security and promoting sustainability in nuclear power.
Select Committees
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee
Alistair Carmichael MP has been elected as Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.
Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Florence Eshalomi MP has been elected Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee.
Built Environment Committee
As part of its housing strategy, the government has set an ambitious target of building 1.5 million homes within five years. However, developers have raised concerns about meeting this target by relying solely on brownfield sites. In response, the Built Environment Committee has launched an inquiry to explore the potential of "Grey Belt" land—a new designation for areas that could be developed sustainably. The inquiry will assess how Grey Belt land can contribute to housing targets, affordable housing provisions, infrastructure, and green spaces.
Energy Security and Net Zero committee
Bill Esterson MP has been elected Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee.
The chair is also inviting stakeholders from various sectors, including industry, science, and consumers, to contribute ideas for the committee's upcoming inquiries. The goal is to develop a robust programme of work that supports lower energy bills, job creation, and emissions reduction.
APPGs
Environment APPG
In collaboration with the Climate APPG, the Environment APPG will be holding a roundtable event with Nature Minister Mary Creagh MP, focused on COP16 on Tuesday 8th October. This event is designed to introduce new MPs to the UK's ambitions for the upcoming biodiversity conference.
Climate APPG
On Wednesday 9th October, the Climate APPG will host a Parliamentary Roundtable with Kerry McCarthy MP, Minister for Climate. This event will provide parliamentarians with a detailed briefing on COP29 and the UK’s international climate priorities.
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
