UK environmental policy digest - July

Asim Ali, IEMA’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, examines the UK Government's policy announcements from July 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 of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

New Leadership and Initiatives at Defra

Steve Reed has been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), heading a team of ministers consisting of:

• Daniel Zeichner MP - Minister of Food Security and Rural Affairs
• Emma Hardy MP - Minister for Food and Flooding
• Mary Creagh MP - Minister for Nature
• Baroness Hayman of Ullock – Lords Minister

Reforming the Water Sector

Environment Secretary Steve Reed outlined initial measures to address the ongoing water sector crisis. These reforms aim to curb illegal sewage dumping and attract private investment to enhance infrastructure, benefiting both customers and the environment.

Accelerated Actions to Meet Environment Act Targets

The government has launched a rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) to expedite actions needed to meet the legally binding Environment Act targets. The review focuses on cleaning waterways, reducing waste, planting trees, improving air quality, and halting species decline by 2030.

Response to OEP's Report

The government has provided an initial response to the Office for Environmental Protection's (OEP) report on the Water Framework Directive regulations. A more comprehensive response will follow after the Parliamentary recess, addressing the effectiveness and implementation of river basin management plans.

Department of Energy Security and Net Zero

• Ed Miliband Takes Charge as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
• Ed Miliband has been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, leading a team of:
• Sarah Jones MP - Minister for Industry
• Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBE - Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero
• Kerry McCarthy MP - Minister for Climate
• Miatta Fahnbulleh MP - Minister for Energy Consumers
• Michael Shanks MP - Minister for Energy

Priorities for Energy and Climate

Following his appointment, Ed Miliband outlined his department's key priorities, emphasising the need to secure energy supplies and accelerate the transition to net zero emissions.

Launch of Great British Energy

Great British Energy, a newly established publicly-owned energy company, has been introduced to accelerate the deployment of clean energy, enhance energy independence, and create jobs.

National Wealth Fund and Investment in Clean Energy

The government is enhancing efforts to attract private investment in new industries, with the establishment of a National Wealth Fund. This initiative aims to support the UK Infrastructure Bank and the British Business Bank. The fund seeks to drive growth in clean energy and other future-focused sectors .

Mission Control for Clean Power by 2030

To meet the goal of achieving clean power by 2030, Ed Miliband has appointed Chris Stark, a renowned climate and energy expert, to lead the new Mission Control centre. This team will work to eliminate obstacles and accelerate energy projects, with independent guidance from the soon-to-be National Energy System Operator.

Great British Energy Partnership

A major partnership between Great British Energy and The Crown Estate has been launched, aimed at boosting the UK’s energy independence. This initiative, backed by £8.3 billion in new investment, will support the development of clean energy infrastructure, providing benefits to UK taxpayers and communities.

Global Leadership on Climate Crisis

Ed Miliband recently met with international leaders from past and future COP presidencies, including His Majesty King Charles III, to discuss urgent actions needed to address the global climate crisis. This roundtable emphasised the UK's role in offering support and leadership in international climate efforts .

Investment in Clean Energy for the UK

The UK government has announced a budget of over £1.5 billion for the next renewable energy auction, marking a boost to the country's energy security. This investment, which represents an increase of more than 50% compared to previous budgets, will primarily support the expansion of offshore wind energy.

Revised Planning Policy for Onshore Wind

In a recent policy statement, the government has made revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), placing onshore wind energy on an equal footing with other energy developments.

Select Committees and All Party Parliamentary Groups

Following the General Election, several key parliamentary bodies, including Select Committees and All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), are in a transitional phase as they await the appointment of new Chairs and Vice Chairs. This delay has temporarily paused their activities.