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Question
Moore asked about the impact of recent government choices over the past two years on nature recovery targets. He highlighted that current policies contradict the delivery ambitions presented today and questioned how these impacts were considered before making this statement.
Minister reply
Creagh responded but the exact details of her answer are not provided in the given text.
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Question
The hon. Gentleman questions the Government's choices over the past two years, including criticism of Planning and Infrastructure Act, concerns about controlled burning of heather on deep peat, funding for sustainable farming incentive, and applications for wind farms on protected peatlands.
Minister reply
Disappointed by the nature and tone of criticism but highlights that the Act introduces strategic policy statements to prioritise outcomes over process. A £100 million investment will fund specialist staff and digital systems. The Government invests in degraded peatlands, with 10,000 hectares restored through a grant scheme and another 4,000 expected this year. Rotational burning is detrimental to restoring peat to its natural hydrology and releases stored carbon, increasing vulnerability to wildfires.
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Question
Welcomes the statement but asks for information on the next iteration of the national adaptation plan and how to rebuild relationships with farmers after a difficult start.
Minister reply
Through landscape recovery projects, clusters of farms are leveraging private finance alongside public investment. The uplands in the Lake District demonstrate restoration of peat to hold water, preventing run-off that can overwhelm towns below. A fourth national adaptation programme is planned for 2028 with advice from the Climate Change Committee on planning assumptions. Investment includes £104 billion in private funding for new water infrastructure and a local authority climate service.
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Question
Expresses concerns about the impacts of climate change on agriculture, including flooding risks, and asks for more detail on proposed environmental schemes. Also inquires about plans to assist farmers facing financial loss due to hot weather and opposition to deregulation measures that could harm nature conservation efforts.
Minister reply
Announces £300 million investment over 10 years for natural flood management; emphasises the importance of natural water retention methods rather than concrete reservoirs. States commitment to supporting food production while encouraging land managers to implement environmental practices.
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Question
Asks about national measures to support nature and carbon markets, including incentivizing private sector investment in decarbonisation initiatives.
Minister reply
Highlights efforts to establish nature standards with the British Standards Institution to boost confidence in green investments and prevent accusations of greenwashing. Mentions ongoing work on internal carbon offsetting within supply chains.
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Question
Questions whether the Government's funding will be sufficient for Natural England to meet the 30 by 30 nature conservation goal.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that about 32% of England’s land already contributes towards meeting the target, and outlines a phased approach involving bronze, silver, and gold levels of land protection.
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Question
Asks about measures to ensure that the Environment Agency empowers citizens rather than threatening legal action against them for river clean-up efforts.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of citizen involvement in environmental protection but notes the need for permits to prevent unintended damage to habitats and flood defences.
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Question
Raises concerns about large-scale new oilfields potentially undermining efforts to combat climate breakdown.
Minister reply
Responds that individual licensing decisions are the responsibility of the Energy Secretary, emphasising the need for a fair transition off fossil fuels.
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Question
Queries about plans to focus on marine protection beyond land-based conservation efforts.
Minister reply
Explains that around 32% of waters are currently protected and suggests a site-specific approach. Offers to arrange further discussion with the Water Minister regarding bottom trawling.
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Question
Asks for a pause on new incinerator approvals until their long-term environmental impact has been assessed.
Minister reply
Defends use of energy from waste plants over landfill disposal, acknowledging sustainability concerns but emphasising the need to manage current waste problems.
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Question
Yesterday, a railway fire in Walthamstow caused evacuations and destroyed homes due to the heatwave. The MP asks what steps are being taken to build climate resilience into local government planning.
Minister reply
The minister recalls an inquiry on heatwaves and acknowledges the challenges faced by local authorities. She emphasises the need for mutual assistance moments in local governance and discusses Network Rail's actions towards clearing trees and creating grassland.
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Question
Concerns are raised about Scottish wind pathways investment, with fears of £100 billion loss due to lack of grid connectivity support.
Minister reply
The minister discusses the North Sea Transition Authority's role and mentions extending employment rights for offshore workers in renewables while emphasising a fair transition plan.
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Question
The MP expresses determination to protect natural beauty areas in Harlow for future generations, highlighting the current climate emergency.
Minister reply
The minister criticises the Conservative party's flip-flopping stance on net zero emissions and reaffirms Labour’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis.
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Question
During recent heatwaves, schools had to close. The MP asks about discussions with DFE regarding school preparedness for extreme weather events.
Minister reply
The minister highlights investments in solar panels for schools and mentions the Government's estate nature plan which includes education on climate and nature crisis.
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Question
The MP seeks details on rewilding, tree planting, and agricultural practices changes to reduce carbon emissions.
Minister reply
The minister discusses doubling the grant for trees outside woodland through the Tree Council and emphasises planting the right trees in the right places.
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Question
Welcoming the focus on local nature recovery strategies, the MP asks for practical commitments including planning weight and public funding.
Minister reply
The minister expresses concern about misalignment of policies across Departments and discusses spatially targeting funding towards local nature recovery areas.
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Question
Following a screening on threats to British life from climate change, the MP seeks commitment for holding prime-time televised emergency briefing.
Minister reply
The minister suggests local community gatherings as an effective way to address these issues and highlights existing initiatives like People Planet Pint.
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Question
Concerns are raised about misalignment of policies across Departments, especially in environmental protections revisions.
Minister reply
The minister discusses the biodiversity net gain framework and mentions changes made to ensure a 10% uplift in every planning policy.
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Question
Welcoming the 30 by 30 nature and climate plan, the MP asks for greater accountability to young people through local panels.
Minister reply
The minister suggests that youth panels could be organised through schools or Youth Parliament as an excellent topic.
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Question
Encourages the Minister to release more findings from a national security assessment on global biodiversity loss and inquires about its relation to the new climate security taskforce.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of the report's findings, highlighting that ecosystem degradation is happening globally with high confidence, threatening UK national security. The full document is available in the public domain.
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Question
Highlights children’s interest in protecting nature and asks how to encourage members of the public and Opposition Members to discuss nature and net zero as passionately.
Minister reply
Emphasises the need for shade from trees due to intense heatwaves, encouraging schools to adapt. Praises students' efforts.
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Question
Supports releasing full analysis of global biodiversity loss report and inquires about work being done to protect nature globally and adaptations made at home.
Minister reply
Outlines the Government's approach towards COP15, 27, and the desertification conference. Emphasises integrating climate finance with nature protection.
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Question
Asks about urgent need to address water storage issues and adoption of grey water systems.
Minister reply
Confirms construction of nine new reservoirs, highlights practical advice from water suppliers for household conservation.
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Question
Commemorates local emergency briefings and inquires about further action to protect upland peatland moors.
Minister reply
Announces upcoming visit to Fylingdales for announcement regarding support for farmers dealing with wildfires.
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Question
Inquires about Government measures to protect urban areas from extreme heat, especially given the urban heat island effect.
Minister reply
Announces doubling of funding for tree planting through the trees outside woodland fund. Emphasises need for policies addressing specific community groups affected by climate change.
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Question
Asks Minister to join in urging Environment Agency and Thames Water to conclude investigation into fish death incident and hold responsible parties accountable.
Minister reply
Pays tribute to restocking efforts, emphasises importance of swift justice for environmental crimes.
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Question
Inquires about the need to act on climate change for securing Britain’s food supply and farming future.
Minister reply
Discusses need for resilient farming methods, including mixed arable crops, cattle and sheep, and re-wiggling of water systems.
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Question
Asks about measures to help constituents in Aylesbury adapt to extreme heat.
Minister reply
Outlines need for a whole-city approach, more tree planting and soft planting to reduce urban heat island effect.
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Question
Inquires about Government's continued support for healthy peatland across the country.
Minister reply
Acknowledges role of peatlands in hydrological protection and reiterates commitment to protect them.
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Question
Congratulates year 2 classes at St Michael's community academy for their concern about the environment and asks why Government’s 30 by 30 delivery plan is important.
Minister reply
Praises students' environmental awareness, emphasises importance of nurturing this interest as children move into secondary school.
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Question
Coton in the Elms, in my constituency, recently recorded the UK’s highest temperature of 35.2°C, highlighting the reality of climate change and the need for a transition to renewable energy sources. However, constituents are concerned that South Derbyshire is being asked to shoulder more than its fair share through proposals like Castle Way energy and a concentration of battery storage linked to Willington and Drakelow grid connections. Can the Minister reassure my constituents that the burden of hosting solar and battery storage infrastructure, as well as nature protection efforts, will be shared fairly across the country?
Minister reply
I commend Samantha Niblett on her concise question. Regarding the benefits of solar installations, they can result in biodiversity net gains up to 300%, and these installations can coexist with farmland and sheep-grazing grassland, providing additional income for farmers. As for battery energy storage, I suggest that this is a matter better addressed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
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Question
Climate change is an urgent issue affecting our society, leading to extreme weather events that disproportionately impact the poorest in Britain. What steps are the Government taking to close inequality gaps as a way of improving resilience to climate change?
Minister reply
Brian Leishman raises a significant point about how climate change exacerbates inequalities. The government is considering measures such as offering warm spaces through local councils and exploring options for cool and air-conditioned places where people can seek relief from extreme heat.