Strengthening environmental resilience, boosting agricultural sustainability, accelerating the transition to clean energy and other key policy announcements from February
The UK Government has unveiled a series of major policy initiatives aimed at strengthening environmental resilience, boosting agricultural sustainability, and accelerating the transition to clean energy.
At the same time, select committees are scrutinising the government’s environmental and energy policies. Meanwhile, all-party parliamentary groups are driving discussions on the future of net zero.
Asim Ali, IEMA’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, examines the UK Government's policy announcements from February 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 APPGs.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA):
Record Investment to Protect Thousands of UK Homes and Businesses
£2.65 billion is set to be invested in building and maintaining flood defences across the UK, protecting more than 66,000 properties. This funding aims to enhance resilience against flooding by constructing new defences and reinforcing existing infrastructure.
Government Announces New Policies and Investment to Boost Profits for Farmers
DEFRA has unveiled a package of reforms designed to enhance the profitability of UK farming. The reforms aim to make farming more financially sustainable and productive.
UK Sets Out Biodiversity Commitments to Protect Nature
The UK has outlined its strategy for implementing the UN COP15 biodiversity framework through its National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (NBSAP). This document details how the UK will meet global biodiversity targets and contribute to conservation efforts.
COP16 Concludes in Rome with a Landmark Agreement to Mobilise Resources for People and Nature
The latest round of COP16 negotiations in Rome resulted in an agreement to address the global biodiversity crisis. The deal sets out a collaborative strategy for securing funding from various sources and includes a finalised monitoring framework to ensure transparency in conservation efforts.
UK National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
The UK’s NBSAP outlines a collective commitment by the four nations of the UK to address biodiversity loss. The strategy integrates commitments made by the UK, its Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies to achieve all 23 targets set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ):
Net Zero Council Relaunched to Supercharge Clean Energy Transition
The UK government has expanded the Net Zero Council to drive forward the country’s clean energy ambitions. The council now includes representatives from industry, environmental groups, and local government.
Warm Homes and Cheaper Bills as Government Accelerates Plan for Change
Millions of households are expected to benefit from improved energy efficiency and lower bills as part of the Plan for Change. Measures to improve the energy performance of rental properties could lift up to 500,000 households out of fuel poverty by 2030.
UK Strengthens Economic and Energy Ties with India
The Energy Secretary has travelled to New Delhi to strengthen UK-India partnerships on clean energy investment. The UK-India Energy Dialogue aims to expand renewable energy projects and reduce emissions, reinforcing both countries commitments to tackling climate change.
New Industry Bonus Opens to Support Jobs and Low-Carbon Manufacturing
The government has introduced financial incentives for offshore wind developers that invest in the UK’s most deprived regions. This initiative is designed to boost industrial communities, create skilled jobs, and strengthen supply chains for clean energy manufacturing.
Great British Energy Interim CEO Appointed
Dan McGrail has been named interim CEO of Great British Energy. His appointment follows the selection of five non-executive directors, who will work together to drive forward the company’s role in delivering clean energy and economic growth.
Essential Reforms to Pave the Way for Clean Power by 2030
Proposed changes to the government’s renewables scheme aim to accelerate clean energy development by reducing planning barriers. A consultation on the Contracts for Difference scheme is underway to ensure it continues to attract investment and support growth in the sector.
Extra Energy Bill Support for UK Households
Millions of households could receive additional financial support under new government proposals to help with energy costs next winter. Plans include extending eligibility for the Warm Home Discount and accelerating debt relief measures to ease financial pressures.
Improving the Energy Performance of Privately Rented Homes: 2025 Update
A consultation is underway to explore raising minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030. The government is seeking feedback from landlords, tenants, and industry stakeholders.
Select Committees:
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Executives from South West Water, Yorkshire Water, United Utilities, and Severn Trent are set to appear before MPs as part of an inquiry into reforming the water sector.
Environment and Climate Change Committee
The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee has launched an inquiry into nitrogen use and its environmental impact.
Environmental Audit Committee
The Environmental Audit Committee has raised concerns about the government’s approach to decarbonising the shipping sector. The committee warns that delays in updating maritime decarbonisation strategies could impact the UK’s leadership in reducing emissions from global shipping.
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
The committee is conducting a hearing on the feasibility of achieving the UK’s Clean Power 2030 target. Industry experts and government officials will provide evidence on whether the UK is on track to meet its energy transition goals.
APPGs:
Environment APPG
A parliamentary roundtable discussion has been held to explore how planning reforms can support renewable energy development while also protecting nature and engaging local communities.
IEMA’s CEO, Sarah Mukherjee MBE, was one of the key speakers at the roundtable. She addressed the question: How can we protect nature and empower communities while delivering clean power infrastructure? Her insights emphasised the importance of integrating environmental considerations into planning reforms to achieve a just and effective transition to renewable energy.
Net Zero APPG
The Net Zero APPG hosted an event titled "Accelerating Net Zero: The Road to Clean Power by 2030." The session brought together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss investment, planning reforms, and the infrastructure required to meet the UK’s clean energy goals.
