The UK Parliament is sharpening its focus on environmental and energy challenges — with new developments emerging across water regulation, nuclear expansion, biodiversity transparency, and planning reform.
Select committees are stepping up scrutiny of government policy and regulatory frameworks, while APPGs continue to convene expert voices and shape cross-sector dialogue.
In this roundup, Asim Ali, ISEP’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, shares key updates from government departments, select committees and APPGs — and what they signal for the direction of UK environmental governance.
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
UK and France Unite for Biodiversity Finance
Strengthening international collaboration, the UK and France have jointly committed to funding the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits (IAPB). The move is part of a larger ambition to scale up nature-based investment models and mainstream biodiversity credits as viable mechanisms in international finance.
“Good Food Cycle” Framework Unveiled
A new food strategy, dubbed the “Good Food Cycle”, has been launched to reshape the UK’s approach to nutrition, sustainability, and resilience. Centred around ten priority outcomes, the plan promotes healthy eating habits, secure food supply chains, and environmentally responsible production.
Appointments to the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP)
Two new Non-Executive Directors—Professor Elizabeth Fisher and Caroline May—have been appointed to the OEP Board. They are joined by returning board members Professor Dan Laffoley and Dr Paul Leinster CBE.
Sewage Pollution Target Set for 2030
The government has publicly committed to halving sewage pollution in England’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters by the end of the decade.
Introduction of a Water Ombudsman
In a move to bolster consumer protection, the government will create a new water ombudsman. Backed by legal powers, this role is designed to mediate disputes over billing and service quality, and to rebuild public trust in the sector.
Ofwat to Be Replaced in Major Regulatory Overhaul
The government will dissolve Ofwat and replace it with a new consolidated regulator. This regulatory overhaul is intended to simplify oversight and drive quicker responses to environmental challenges, especially pollution.
£1.1 Billion for Local Recycling Services
Through packaging reform, the government will inject £1.1 billion into local recycling infrastructure. The funding will enhance waste collection systems, raise recycling rates, and reduce costs for households across England.
Record Investment in Flood Defences
A £7.9 billion investment was announced to reinforce flood defences over the next ten years. These funds will go towards safeguarding homes, infrastructure, and businesses against growing risks linked to climate change.
Support for Farmers through Capital Grants
The latest round of the Capital Grants offer will deliver £150 million to farmers. The funds will cover activities such as sustainable water use, planting trees, and implementing flood mitigation measures.
Policy Approaches to Climate and Biodiversity
A new government policy paper outlines an integrated strategy for tackling climate change and biodiversity loss. It presents a joined-up approach to environmental policymaking, aligning cross-sector actions to deliver on shared objectives.
Towards a Sustainable Food System
Further detailing its food policy ambitions, the government released the full food strategy for England, a long-term blueprint that reinforces the goals laid out in the “Good Food Cycle.” The plan underscores health, affordability, and environmental sustainability in reshaping the UK food system.
Reforming the Waste Exemptions System
A joint initiative between DEFRA and the Welsh Government is now in progress to reform the waste exemptions system. The reforms aim to clamp down on abuses and improve compliance, particularly where harmful practices are disguised under existing exemptions.
Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment Programme
Work continues on the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme, with a target to establish a full ecosystem baseline for England by 2029. The resulting data will guide future environmental investments and policy decisions through a stronger evidence base.
Department of Energy Security and Net Zero
Onshore Wind Strategy Launched
After nearly ten years of slow growth, the government has launched a new onshore wind strategy aimed at removing planning barriers and reigniting sector momentum. The strategy proposes over 40 actions and is projected to support 45,000 new jobs by 2030.
Great British Energy CEO Appointed
Dan McGrail has been confirmed as CEO of Great British Energy. His appointment brings industry experience to the publicly owned company at the heart of the UK’s efforts to deliver affordable, clean power.
EDF Investment in Sizewell C
French firm EDF will take a 12.5% equity stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project. This follows a major government funding commitment of £14.2 billion made in June, reinforcing long-term energy security.
Electricity Market Reforms Announced
Planned reforms to the electricity market will retain a national pricing model, rejecting regional price zones. The updated structure aims to encourage clean investment while protecting affordability for consumers.
UK–Czechia Nuclear Partnership Signed
The UK has signed a new nuclear partnership with Czechia, focusing on the development and export of small modular reactors (SMRs). The collaboration supports jobs and clean energy innovation.
Community Facilities to Benefit from Cheaper Energy
Great British Energy will provide £10 million in funding to help libraries, fire stations, care homes, and similar public buildings reduce their energy bills through clean power projects.
More Flexible Electricity Pricing for Households
The government is exploring new electricity tariffs that reward users for shifting energy usage to off-peak times. This could help lower bills and improve grid efficiency.
Consultation Launched on Social Housing Efficiency Standards
A public consultation is underway to set minimum energy efficiency standards for England’s socially rented homes. The consultation remains open until 10th September 2025.
Select Committees
Environmental Audit Committee
Toby Perkins, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), has criticised the government’s regulatory approach to the water sector, calling current practices “deeply flawed” and advocating for a stronger, well-resourced single regulator. He also expressed concern over the lack of transparency in biodiversity net gain measures, following the government’s inadequate response to previous EAC recommendations. Additionally, Perkins renewed pressure on ministers to uphold the UK’s commitments to tackling global deforestation linked to domestic supply chains.
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee has urged the government to streamline energy infrastructure development by improving planning guidance and enhancing coordination between local and national authorities. It also launched a call for evidence on expanding nuclear energy, aiming to explore how best to scale the technology and define its role in the UK’s clean energy transition.
All Party Parliamentary Group
Climate APPG
Clean Energy Roundtable Highlights Economic Opportunities
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Climate Change hosted a roundtable entitled “Unlocking Prosperity: The Economic Case for the UK’s Clean Energy Mission.” The event stressed how net zero policy can fuel economic growth and private sector innovation.
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
