The UK Government has launched new policies on climate finance, clean energy, and green industry - signalling a renewed push toward net zero.
Meanwhile, Parliament is ramping up scrutiny, and APPGs are driving key cross-sector discussions.
In this roundup, Asim Ali, ISEP’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, breaks down the latest developments shaping the UK’s environmental and energy agenda.
Flood Resilience & Community Protection
Reforms to Flood Scheme Funding Unveiled
Floods Minister Emma Hardy announced plans to make it easier for councils to access flood defence funding for flood defences. The move aims to speed up project delivery and improve outcomes for under-resourced communities. £7.9 billion will be invested over the next decade to protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure from flood risk.
Water & Pollution
Water (Special Measures) Act Now in Force
Water companies are now legally required to publish Pollution Incident Reduction Plans under the new Water (Special Measures) Act. This includes using nature-based solutions to manage wastewater and reduce pollution incidents.
Nature Recovery & Finance
Environment Secretary Launches Nature Investment Push
Steve Reed has called on business leaders to help scale up private investment in nature. A new call for evidence seeks ideas on how to drive private finance into nature recovery efforts.
Call for Evidence on Private Sector Investment
The government is seeking views on how to expand the role of private finance in supporting biodiversity. The call for evidence is open until 7th August 2025.
Global Nature Finance Event Held in London
At an international event hosted at Lancaster House, UK leaders joined global stakeholders and His Majesty the King to highlight commitments from the private sector to fund nature protection initiatives.
Departmental Updates
David Hill Appointed Interim Permanent Secretary
David Hill will step in as Interim Permanent Secretary for DEFRA, as the department continues its recruitment process for a permanent successor.
Case study: Unlocking billions in private capital to tackle climate change
The UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) plans to mobilise billions in public and private funding for clean energy projects in developing countries.
Rooftop solar for new builds to save people money
New homeowners will benefit from rooftop solar and lower energy bills under the Future Homes Standard published this autumn, supporting the Plan for Change by making new homes modern, energy efficient, and equipped with clean, homegrown power.
The government announces over £6 billion investment creating 10,000 jobs, including 1,500 apprenticeships, to build Sizewell C nuclear power station, boosting clean power, energy security, and nuclear submarine industrial base.
Ten British AI breakthroughs set to cut bills and heat homes more efficiently
Ministers back ten AI innovations aimed at lowering energy bills and warming homes, supporting the UK’s clean energy ambitions via the Plan for Change.
Funding secured for Britain's industrial future
Government backs two major Carbon Capture projects in Aberdeenshire and the Humber, securing tens of thousands of jobs and supporting Scotland’s public services.
£500m boost for hydrogen to create thousands of British jobs
Funding supports first regional hydrogen transport and storage network, unlocking growth and creating thousands of clean energy jobs in Britain’s industrial heartlands.
Great British Energy lands deal to deliver offshore wind jobs
Public-private deal announced to drive investment into offshore wind jobs in industrial heartlands. Initial £300 million investment by Great British Energy is expected to catalyse a total £1 billion fund.
Millions more families to get £150 off energy bills this winter
Expansion of the Warm Home Discount will support 6 million households with £150 off energy bills this winter, including 900,000 families with children and 1.8 million in fuel poverty.
New guidance issued for environmental impact assessments
Guidance clarifies assessment of global environmental impacts for offshore oil and gas projects following Supreme Court ruling, enabling consent applications for licensed fields and supporting £9.4 billion carbon capture and storage investments.
The Industrial Strategy sets out a 10-year plan to reduce electricity costs by up to 25% for thousands of businesses, unlock billions in investment, and support 1.1 million new skilled jobs.
Clean energy future to be 'built in Britain'
The Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan aims to capture jobs and growth opportunities by doubling down on the UK’s strengths as a coastal nation and scientific superpower, with £700 million investment to support supply chains and industrial heartlands.
More than 7,000 British businesses will see electricity bills cut by up to 25% from 2027 under the modern Industrial Strategy.
Plans for UK to become sustainable finance capital of the world
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband outlines plan to support banks and companies in climate transition plans, aiming to unlock billions in clean energy investment and make the UK the sustainable finance capital globally, as part of the Plan for Change.
Homeowners could save hundreds on energy bills from solar drive
Government’s rooftop solar initiative could save homeowners around £500, supporting lower bills through the Plan for Change and a new ‘roadmap’ to maximise solar potential on warehouses, homes, and car parks.
Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan (Policy paper)
The UK’s plan to drive investment, growth, and good jobs in clean energy industries, aiming to double investment to over £30 billion per year by 2035 and establish the UK as a global leader in frontier clean energy sectors.
Select Committees
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee reports that the water sector is failing, with companies behaving more like financial institutions than essential service providers. The committee calls for fundamental reform to address this cultural crisis.
Environment APPG
Kickstarting the Circular Economy with Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP
The Environment APPG and Green Alliance have hosted a Circular Economy Task Force event, joined by Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP to discuss kickstarting the circular economy.
Climate Change APPG
What do the public really think about net zero?
The Climate Change APPG has hosted a parliamentary roundtable for MPs and peers to hear public opinion insights on net zero.
Net Zero APPG
Decarbonising homes and buildings: Key takeaways from our latest APPG session
The Net Zero APPG held a session with Energy Consumers Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, discussing the Warm Homes Plan and strategies for upgrading one million homes per year for net zero.
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
