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Environmental Protection Bill - Clause 24
26 May 2021
Lead MP
Rebecca Pow
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
ClimateAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 69
At a Glance
Rebecca Pow raised concerns about environmental protection bill - clause 24 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
I move this clause to prohibit the burning of peat in upland areas, recognising that such practices contribute significantly to climate change and biodiversity loss. Peatlands are crucial carbon sinks, storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide; their degradation releases these stores back into the atmosphere. In my constituency, farmers have expressed concerns about the impact of this amendment on traditional land management practices, but I argue that sustainable alternatives must be prioritised for long-term environmental resilience.
Rebecca Pow
Con
Yeovil
This clause seeks to ban the burning of peat in upland areas, as it is detrimental to carbon storage and biodiversity. Peatlands are natural carbon stores, and their protection is vital for climate defence. Although there may be concerns about agricultural practices, sustainable alternatives can offer similar benefits without environmental harm.
Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Chorley
The Speaker introduced various amendments and new clauses to the Environment Bill, outlining their purposes. He did not take a stance on any of them but provided detailed descriptions.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Intervened to pay tribute to Surfers Against Sewage for their work in lobbying and achieving positive outcomes, showing support for the environmental efforts.
Gareth Thomas
Lab Co-op
Harrow West
Expressed concern that England is lagging behind other UK countries in tree planting to tackle climate change and asked if there was a ring-fenced fund for innovative local authorities like Harrow's.
Bob Seely
n/a
Asked the Minister to give way, indicating an interest in supporting or seeking further information on one of the amendments.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked if the Government would support Amendment 41 which gives enforcement powers to councils and local bodies regarding illegal tree felling. He expressed a shared love for trees with the Minister.
Theresa Villiers
Con
Down South
The Member asks the Minister to ensure peatland restoration is a key part of meeting conservation targets. She appreciates the Government's ambition but seeks assurance on specific measures for peatlands.
Bob Seely
Con
Isle of Wight
Compliments the Minister’s efforts to improve the Bill and asks if the Government will listen closely to additional amendments tabled by him and others that address tree preservation orders and site protections.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Expressed concern about unnecessary tree felling in constituencies and supported the vision of protecting forests and oceans as outlined by the World Wildlife Fund.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Highlighted a stark contrast with the approach of the Welsh Labour Government, emphasising their tree-planting programme and moratorium on incineration.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Expressed concern that proposals for planning reform could undermine the provisions in the Environment Bill, potentially favouring developers over local people's wishes.
Steve Brine
Con
Fareham
Supports amendments 26 and 27, particularly highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in financial services that support deforestation. Emphasises the importance of protecting constituents' investments from unintended consequences linked to illegal deforestation.
Deidre Brock
SNP
Glasgow North West
Ms. Brock argues that Natural England's funding cuts have compromised its ability to enforce environmental regulations, and she expresses concern about the lack of protections for military operations and national security issues within the Bill.
Bill Wiggin
Con
North Herefordshire
Mr. Wiggin supports the new clause, arguing that mandatory assessments by Natural England for game bird release are unnecessary and could halt licences indefinitely. He highlights the environmental benefits of shooting sports, including contributions to conservation efforts and rural economies.
Mr Theo Clarke supported the Bill, appreciating its aim to better conserve our environment, tackle biodiversity loss and regenerate parts of the countryside. He highlighted new clause 4 that aims to protect hedgehogs as a protected species, which is an important reminder of how interconnected nature is. He discussed the role of gardeners in providing wildlife corridors and habitats for hedgehogs, such as 'No Mow May' initiative. Clarke also welcomed the measures in the Bill, particularly new clause 21 that protects habitats better to ensure we can protect these for generations to come.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Argues that the Bill does not take significant steps to address climate change and ecological emergencies. Highlights issues with tree planting, air quality, ocean pollution, sewage discharge into rivers, and planning liberalisation.
Supports amendment 45 to enhance biodiversity conservation by requiring public authorities to consider international commitments under the UN convention on biological diversity. Emphasises leveraging UK measures for global impact at COP26.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Supports amendments 47, 49, and 29 to ensure environmental land management schemes reward farmers for landscape benefits, protect rural tourism economies, and strengthen local nature resource strategies.
Julie Marson
Con
Hertford and Stevenage
She supports the Bill as a landmark measure for environmental protection, emphasising its importance in light of species loss and environmental degradation. She highlights specific measures such as biodiversity net gain requirements and provisions for chalk streams, which are crucial to protecting unique ecosystems like those found in her constituency.
Seema Malhotra
Lab Co-op
Feltham and Heston
She criticises the Government for not strengthening environmental protections fully, expressing concern over the Secretary of State's discretion. She supports new clause 25 to protect existing woodlands and introduces a critique of delayed implementation of a deposit return scheme for single-use plastics.
She welcomes the Bill's provisions, including biodiversity net gain requirements and nature recovery strategies. She also emphasises the importance of tackling overseas deforestation and protecting habitats for species like brown long-eared bats.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Concerned about potential weakening of habitat and species regulations, Ms. Lucas suggested modifying the clauses to add protections rather than replace them. She also raised concerns over Knepp estate's threatened development by Thakeham Homes.
Sarah Dines
Con
Derbyshire Dales
Ms. Dines welcomed the Bill and its focus on tree planting, peatland restoration, and rewarding farmers for producing public goods. She emphasised the positive impact of local organisations like Moors for the Future partnership and highlighted various initiatives in Derbyshire Dales.
Bob Seely
Con
Isle of Wight
Praises the Minister for her work and support for action on sewage. Supports amendment 41, new clause 27, and new clause 26 to ensure character assessment in planning applications, protect mature trees, and address loopholes regarding SSSIs.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Supports stronger legislation to reverse nature decline, including short-term and long-term targets for biodiversity recovery. Welcomes provisions in the Bill and supports amendments 45, 26, 27, 36, and 37 aimed at combating illegal deforestation.
Truro and Falmouth
Supports the Environment Bill as a landmark legislation for environmental improvement. Welcomes measures to reduce sewage discharges, set legally binding targets for species abundance, and ensures biodiversity net gain in infrastructure projects.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Supports amendments that aim to protect and enhance environmental protections, including deforestation due diligence measures and species conservation strategies. Emphasises the need for habitat maintenance in perpetuity and comprehensive tree planting targets.
Highlights biodiversity issues in her constituency, including non-biodegradable waste affecting local wildlife. Urges global action on biodiversity and hopes the UK can lead at G7 and COP26. Calls for similar legislation in Wales.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Critiques Government’s lack of ambition on environmental protections, citing Slough's high death rate from PM2.5 pollution and low tree cover. Supports Labour amendments for air quality limits and species conservation. Questions the Government's slow action against ecological devastation.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I support amendment 41 and emphasise the importance of trees in mitigating climate change by reducing CO2 levels. Amendment 41 should provide local planning authorities with the ability to consider unlawful tree felling and non-compliance when reviewing planning applications, thereby discouraging such illegal activities. More action is needed to encourage landowners to plant more trees.
Theresa Villiers
Con
Chipping Barnet
While supporting the overall goals of the Environment Bill, I am concerned that radical changes proposed in a future planning Bill could undermine these environmental protections. This includes the potential for increased centralisation of power and reduction of local democratic input, which might lead to inappropriate high-density development overriding principles important for nature conservation.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
She supports new clauses to drive action on climate change, improve the Office for Environmental Protection's remit and powers, and set clear tree planting targets. She cites the low rate of current tree coverage in the UK compared to Europe and notes that at the current pace, it will take 40 years to meet the net zero target.
He supports new clause 4 and welcomes the Minister’s comments on species protection. He emphasises the need for a holistic approach to habitat preservation, wildlife corridors, and broader assessments of species presence during development.
Siobhan Baillie
Con
Stroud
Stressed the importance of biodiversity and species conservation as a key concern for her constituents. Highlighted that children are particularly concerned about biodiversity decline rather than just carbon targets. Emphasised the need to set legally binding targets to halt species decline, which was supported by the Secretary of State's inclusion of such a target in the Bill. Mentioned local efforts like the Gloucestershire Local Nature Partnership and community groups committed to climate action. Applauded the ambition of the Bill for future generations.
Kenny MacAskill
SNP
Glasgow Shore
Supported the amendments as they expose those who are contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss. Emphasised that while Scotland has its own legislative powers, there is still much to learn from England and Wales in addressing global issues. Noted the need for structural changes rather than individual actions, highlighting the importance of financial regulation and enforcement.
Flick Drummond
Con
Meon Valley
Welcomed the Bill's commitment to environmental health and biodiversity. Highlighted local efforts in Meon Valley with support from organisations like Hampshire CPRE and Winchester Action on Climate Change. Emphasised the importance of soil health for pasture land, productivity, and nature recovery. Stressed the need to promote sustainable soil management by 2030 and praised measures aimed at reducing pollution in rivers through better land management.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
McMorrin emphasises that urgent action is needed for climate and ecological emergencies, highlighting the UK's failure to meet biodiversity targets. She criticises the Government’s lack of decisive action and supports legislation that addresses environmental challenges comprehensively.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Bowie argues against the perception that the Environment Bill is weak, highlighting its provisions on air quality, biodiversity, waste reduction, and resource efficiency. He specifically commends the bill's focus on sustainable sourcing of agricultural commodities to combat deforestation.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Olney supports the Environment Bill but seeks to strengthen it with her proposed amendment, which would require local authorities to take into account local nature recovery strategies when making decisions. She highlights the importance of robust environmental protection at a local level and successful LNRS trials in places like Buckinghamshire.
Andy Carter
Con
Sankey
Supports the Environment Bill for its commitment to leaving the environment in a better state, tree planting, and local nature recovery strategies. Highlights local impacts of climate change such as flooding and air quality issues.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South
Critiques the Bill for not embedding ambitious environmental protections in law, citing alarming statistics on wildlife decline. Proposes amendments to enhance tree protection and biodiversity gain.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Supports the Environment Bill for its measures enhancing water quality, conservation covenants, and local nature recovery strategies. Highlights specific examples like the River Wharfe campaign.
Mick Whitley
Lab
Copeland
Criticises the Bill for not maintaining EU environmental protections and failing to address biodiversity loss adequately. Supports amendments for a national tree strategy and peatland protections.
Duncan Baker
Con
North Norfolk
Supports new clauses 21 and 22 to restore nature, with a legally binding target on species abundance by 2030. Emphasises local planning efforts, biodiversity net gain in the Town and Country Planning Act, and global leadership.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Supports amendment 29 to strengthen local nature recovery strategies. Highlights UK’s ecological crisis with declining biodiversity indicators and the need for stronger environmental protections.
Rebecca Pow
Con
Taunton Deane
Defends new clauses 21 and 22, arguing they provide necessary measures to protect nature. Rebutted concerns raised by opposition members regarding the amendments' impacts.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Moves to read clause a Second time, raising concerns about existing protections and potential environmental impact of new clauses 21 and 22.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Compliments Rosie Winterton for her work on these issues. Suggests the Minister should look to Wales as an example of a Labour Government's commitment to environmental protection.
Asks Rosie Winterton about the best source of natural gas in the coming years, emphasising the need to phase out fossil fuels while acknowledging current dependency on them.
Welcomes the Government's aims but urges for more background information and cost assessments. Suggests sustainable forestry practices and reducing wood miles as ways to balance environmental protection with economic opportunities.
Supports new clause 12, which bans fracking. Emphasises the environmental impacts of fracking including gas leaks, seismic effects, and road traffic issues. Corrects a statement about who first declared a climate emergency.
Chris Grayling
Con
Richmond Park
Proposes new clause 19 to introduce sustainable food labelling. Argues it will reduce legal deforestation by informing consumers about the origins of products, encouraging them not to purchase unsustainable items.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Focuses on new clause 12 regarding fracking. Discusses flooding due to budget cuts for environmental agencies and highlights the risks associated with fracking, such as earthquakes and water contamination.
David Amess
Con
Southend West
Supports the Environment Bill, highlighting its importance in protecting biodiversity. Advocates for rewilding areas to enhance domestic biodiversity and protecting nature through sustainable farming practices.
Welcomes measures in the bill to standardise plastic waste collection but expresses concern over the increase in single-use plastics, littering, fly-tipping, sewage discharges into rivers, and commodities from legally deforested land. He also advocates for stricter enforcement through covert cameras and more severe fines and suggests a certification scheme similar to Fairtrade to ensure food comes without harming rainforests.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Supports new clauses 12 and 24 which aim to preserve carbon sinks, ban rotational burning across all upland peat habitats, introduce a labelling scheme for food products to ensure they are not linked with biodiversity decline or climate emergency, prohibit fracking due to potential negative outcomes on taxpayers and the environment, demands further details from the Minister about delivering statutory targets to halt nature's decline by 2030, and calls for coherent global perspective in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Chris Loder
Con
West Dorset
Supports new clause 28 for food labelling transparency. Emphasises the importance of addressing issues like nitrogen dioxide levels on A35 and increasing single-use plastics in supermarkets, highlighting a need to take legislative action.
Beth Winter
Lab
Cynon Valley
Disagrees with the Bill's provisions as they are not ambitious enough. Supports amendments like new clause 12 banning fracking and new clause 24 extending peat burning bans, advocating for more stringent environmental protections.
Geraint Davies
Lab
Swansea West
Critiques the Bill as insufficient in addressing climate change. Supports new clause 29 linking human health with environmental health and calls for legally binding WHO air pollution limits.
David Simmonds
Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
He supported the Environment Bill highlighting improvements in air quality, need for meaningful powers to tackle air pollution, especially vehicle idling near schools and hospitals, importance of funding producer responsibility schemes, consistency around local authority recycling practices, wider environmental impact beyond UK borders, sewage discharge policy improvement, and maintaining biodiversity gain locally.
He argued against the new clause on fracking as it is unnecessary due to an existing moratorium. He criticised Labour MPs for their lack of interest in the issue before and stated that the amendment was a political attempt rather than addressing any urgent problem.
Critiques the current bill for not going far enough to address climate and ecological emergencies. Advocates for a green new deal, public health prioritization over private profit, banning fracking, protecting workers during the transition to renewable energy, clean air measures, global south debt cancellation, and COP26 accessibility.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Welcomes enhanced measures in the Queen’s Speech. Supports the commitment of the Minister and Government to the Bill. Raises concerns about clause 22's appointments process and suggests a pilot scheme for reducing single-use nappies, highlighting their environmental impact.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
The shadow Minister expressed disappointment at the defeat of Labour amendments aimed at making the Environment Bill fit for purpose. She supported new clauses 12 and 24, which she believed would fill significant gaps in the Bill. Ruth Jones highlighted that fracking was a glaring omission but encouraged the Government to accept new clause 12 as an easy way to improve the legislation.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West
Acknowledges the hard work of parliamentary staff during challenging times. Criticises the Bill's lack of comprehensive plans, insufficient powers for the Office for Environmental Protection, and failure to address fracking, deliver a proper tree strategy, or implement structured chemical regulation. Points out that Labour amendments aimed at improving the Bill were rejected, but hopes peers will strengthen it in the Lords. Urges the Secretary of State for Environment to ensure a swift return of the bill post-Lords consideration to tackle pressing environmental issues.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
Mr. Redwood urges the government to increase reservoir capacity to ensure water supply for growing populations, suggesting it would help mitigate flood risks and sustain dry spells. He also encourages more local food production and tree planting, advocating for less reliance on imports from countries like Spain due to its environmental concerns. Mr. Redwood highlights potential conflicts between regulatory bodies overseeing environmental protection and climate change and calls for clearer guidance on their roles. Additionally, he questions the balance between rapid transition to new technologies and preserving natural resources.
Deidre Brock
SNP
Glasgow North West
Ms. Brock acknowledges the hard work of DEFRA officials but criticises the government for taking too long and not addressing key issues adequately in the Bill. She argues that it is a missed opportunity and only provides minor measures, requiring further revision to include necessary provisions for substantial environmental impact.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Anderson argued that the Bill's Office for Environmental Protection lacks independence and fails to provide concrete protections. She stressed the bill’s inadequacy in addressing climate change impacts globally, citing a Bangladeshi community devastated by saline intrusion due to rising sea levels. Anderson expressed disappointment over missed opportunities to improve the bill through amendments and called for global cooperation and joined-up government policies.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Expressed gratitude for officials but raised concerns about regulation, environmental land management delivery, and local nature resource strategies. He criticised the Office for Environmental Protection as a weak watchdog with few teeth and lack of independence. Highlighted risks to British farming due to lower environmental standards in trade deals. Concerned that the Bill does not provide adequate rewards for maintaining landscape aesthetics and biodiversity under ELM schemes. Raised worries about phasing out basic payment scheme without sufficient support for upland farmers or plans to replace them, fearing loss of income and industry decline. Criticised lack of mechanisms to ensure local nature resource strategies impact decision making.
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