Context
Tomorrow is the International Day of Forests, highlighting ongoing public and cross-party support for the Environment Act 2021 passed over three years ago. The act's provisions to prevent imports linked to illegal deforestation remain unimplemented.
Question
The Minister has not ruled in or out any approach to the deforestation regulations under the Environment Act 2021, despite its passage over three years ago with strong public and cross-party support. I am concerned about the uncertainty for UK businesses regarding the import of commodities linked to illegal deforestation. Will the Minister provide a clear timeline for when secondary legislation will come into force? Additionally, will she meet me as co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on global deforestation alongside other Members to discuss how we can strengthen and accelerate its implementation?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mary Creagh)
The UK strongly supports global efforts to protect forests and is advocating for an international commitment to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030 while supporting economic development. Nothing has yet been ruled in or out regarding the approach to deforestation regulations under the Environment Act 2021, but I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this further.
Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a clear timeline for implementing secondary legislation and avoided committing to specific actions or dates.
How: Nothing Has Yet Been Ruled In Or Out
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