From tackling waste to boosting rural economies, DEFRA and DESNZ target enhancing environmental protection, energy security, and sustainable development during December 2024. This includes plans to modernise farming, revitalise the water sector, and accelerate the UK's clean energy transition.
With support for nature recovery, new leadership in conservation, and carbon capture and fusion energy projects also prioritised by the Government towards the end of last year.
Asim Ali, ISEP’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, dives into the latest developments shaping the UK’s environmental and sustainability agenda.
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Tackling Waste: Online Retailers and Vape Producers to Pay Their Fair Share
Online marketplaces and vape producers will now contribute to the cost of recycling electrical waste. Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh announced this move to level the playing field for UK businesses already funding recycling programs while supporting waste reduction efforts.
Boosting Rural Economies and Supporting Farmers
DEFRA has allocated £343 million to the rural economy, benefiting over 31,000 farmers through Countryside and Environmental Stewardship payments. This funding reinforces food security and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
Planning and Nature Recovery
New planning proposals aim to accelerate development while enhancing environmental outcomes. Developers will have the option to contribute to a nature improvement fund as part of a streamlined approach to balancing economic growth with ecological preservation.
Strengthening Protected Landscapes
As part of the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, DEFRA has introduced legislation to enhance the role of National Parks and protected landscapes.
Improved Compensation for Water Customers
Water companies will now be required to double compensation payments for service disruptions, including outages and sewer flooding. This decision follows public consultation and aims to improve service standards and accountability.
New Interim Chair for JNCC
Tom Meagher has been appointed interim Chair of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).
Planning Reform: Development and Nature Recovery
The government has released a paper seeking feedback on a proposed strategy to integrate development with nature recovery. It suggests using development funds for environmental improvements.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)
UK-US Fusion Energy Collaboration
A £40.5 million joint project with Tokamak Energy has been announced to advance fusion energy technology, supporting clean energy innovation, energy security, and job creation in the UK.
Carbon Capture Projects in Teesside
The UK’s first carbon capture projects in the East Coast Cluster have secured funding, paving the way for the construction of a new clean industry. These projects will support 2,000 jobs initially, with supply chain investments expected to create tens of thousands more.
Clean Power Action Plan for 2030
DESNZ has published an action plan to transition to a clean power system by 2030. The plan focuses on energy security, industrial growth, and environmental sustainability, with the potential to unlock £40 billion in annual investment.
Net Zero Council Relaunched
The Net Zero Council has expanded its membership to include civil society and local government representatives. This broader collaboration aims to accelerate the UK’s progress toward net-zero emissions.
Transition to Zero Emission Vehicles
The department has launched a consultation on restoring the 2030 phase-out date for petrol and diesel cars. With over 72,000 public charge points already available, DESNZ aims to gather industry input to facilitate a smooth transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Call for Evidence: Reviewing Ofgem’s Role
DEFRA is seeking public input on revisiting the role of Ofgem to ensure it supports an energy market where innovation drives better products and services for consumers.
Select Committees
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
The EFRA Committee has been actively investigating key issues affecting agriculture, water, and food supply, launching several inquiries to address pressing concerns:
- Future of Farming Inquiry: A new inquiry examines the transformative policies shaping the agricultural sector, exploring their potential impacts on farmers and rural communities.
- Reforming the Water Sector: MPs are scrutinising challenges in the water sector, including environmental and financial performance, customer satisfaction, and governance issues.
- Southern Water Under Review: Following significant price rises and ongoing service failures, Southern Water is set to face the committee to discuss outages, infrastructure issues, and corporate practices.
- Fairness in the Food Supply Chain: This inquiry delves into vulnerabilities in the UK food supply, addressing issues such as domestic production support, labor shortages, food pricing, and household food insecurity.
Environmental Audit Committee
The EAC is focused on evaluating the effectiveness of legislation, flood resilience, and energy storage systems:
- Review of the Environment Act: The Government will conduct a post-legislative review of the Environment Act by November 2026, assessing its effectiveness in achieving its intended environmental goals.
- Flood Resilience Examination: Recent severe flooding events have prompted the EAC to investigate how communities and infrastructure can be better prepared for future climate-related challenges.
- Energy Storage Progress: In response to the EAC’s May report, the Government has committed to removing market barriers and scaling up long-term energy storage projects to enhance national energy resilience.
Environment and Climate Change Committee
The committee’s latest report, "Methane: Keeping Up Momentum," calls for sustained domestic efforts to reduce methane emissions and greater international leadership by leveraging the UK’s scientific expertise.
All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs)
Environment APPG
Andrew Pakes MP has been elected as the new Chair of the Environment APPG.
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
