Wildlife Trust - Defend Nature Campaign

The environmental protections that we currently have in this country are embedded in law, through our Environment Act 2021. This sets out a world-leading programme for nature recovery backed up by plans for a legally-binding target that will halt nature’s decline by 2030.  We have made equivalent commitments at an international level – through the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature where we have committed to protect 30% of the UK’s land and ocean by 2030. I am proud of the Government’s record on environmental delivery and as a member of the Conservative Environment Network (the caucus of Conservative MPs who campaign for greater prominence of environmental issues) I would strongly resist any watering down of that record.
 
In relation to EU environment laws, you will be aware that in January 2022 the Government announced plans to bring forward the Retained EU Law Bill to create a more innovative regulatory regime that would not have been possible were the UK still a member of the European Union. The Bill will abolish this special status and will enable the Government, via Parliament, to more easily amend, repeal and replace retained EU Law. This Bill will not weaken environmental protections. Indeed, the Government has acted to significantly increase environmental protection. As mentioned above, in 2021 the Government passed a new Environment Act which sets in law a series of environmental targets, enforced by a new Office for Environmental Protection. This landmark Act will clean up the country’s air, restore natural habitats, increase biodiversity, reduce waste and make better use of our resources.
 
Moreover, the National Planning Policy Framework makes clear protection for local wildlife sites.  The framework lists local wildlife sites as “international, national and locally designated sites of importance for biodiversity”. As such, it makes clear that local authorities must “identify, map and safeguard” wildlife sites as part of their local plans.   You might be interested to know that the Government is seeking views on ways in which the planning system can further promote small-scale changes that can enhance biodiversity and support wildlife recovery. If you would like to share your views, you can find further information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/levelling-up-and-regeneration-bill-reforms-to-national-planning-policy
 
It is worth pointing out that the framework was previously updated in July 2021 with a stronger focus on creating beautiful buildings and homes and includes a new expectation that all new streets are tree-lined, alongside measures to improve biodiversity and access to nature through design. Further, proposals in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will strengthen the role the planning system plays in protecting our historic heritage. It will introduce new Environmental Outcome Reports which will help ensure there is a clear focus on environmental protections and pursuing positive environmental improvements.
 
Finally, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill also seeks to give greater weight to local plans and national policy. This would give more assurance that areas of environmental importance – such as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – will be respected in decisions on planning applications and appeals.