Ministers have published the long-awaited 25-year environment plan to reverse declining wildlife and secure clean air and water, reduced flood risk and more efficient resource use.
The environment plan was promised in the 2015 Conservative manifesto, alongside a 25-year food and farming plan, but publication was delayed several times amid the shifting circumstances of Brexit and changes in environment secretary.
A leaked draft of the plan in circulation last year – which, according to Prime Minister Theresa May’s former communications chief Katie Perrior, then environment secretary Andrea Leadsom was told to make “as boring as possible” – was criticised as lacking policies.
We’ve published our 25 Year Environment Plan setting out our ambition to be the first generation to leave the #environment in a better state than we found it. Read it now – https://t.co/xsHGamVonR #GreenFuture #GreenBrexit #25YEP #PlasticFree pic.twitter.com/Wi5ywFD7oj
— Defra UK (@DefraGovUK) January 11, 2018
Having a separate 25-year farming plan was criticised as splitting two interwoven areas, and it has been brought into the final environment plan.
The published plan aims to achieve long-term goals in six areas: clean air, clean and plentiful water, thriving plants and wildlife, a reduced risk of harm from environmental hazards such as flooding and drought, using resources from nature more sustainably and efficiently and enhanced beauty, heritage and engagement with the natural environment.
It also aims to manage pressures on the environment by tackling climate change, minimising waste, managing exposure to chemicals and enhancing biosecurity – protecting livestock and wildlife from diseases, pests and invasive species.
The plan include proposes to:
One million birds die every year from eating and getting tangled in plastic waste – that’s why we are cracking down on plastics to eliminate all avoidable #plastic waste by 2042 #GreenFuture #GreenBrexit #25YEP #PlasticFree https://t.co/xsHGamVonR pic.twitter.com/DdoJtMfAQO
— Defra UK (@DefraGovUK) January 11, 2018
Extend the 5p charge for plastic carrier bags to all retailers in England, closing the Government’s loophole excluding smaller shops;
Direct aid spending towards helping developing nations reduce plastic use;
We will continue to be a global leader in environmental protection – including helping developing nations tackle pollution and reduce plastic waste as well as extending the network of UK marine protected areas #GreenFuture #GreenBrexit #25YEP #PlasticFree https://t.co/J628AJ0pc4 pic.twitter.com/q8Oj2hXoW7
— Defra UK (@DefraGovUK) January 11, 2018
Create a new Northern Forest stretching from Cheshire to Lancashire and Yorkshire, plant a million street trees and appoint a “national tree champion”;
Designate the third tranche of marine conservation zones around the seas, consulting on the move in the first half of 2018 and designating them 12 months later;
To restore habitats for our wildlife, we will seek to embed a ‘net environmental gain’ principle so new development delivers environmental improvements #GreenFuture #GreenBrexit #25YEP #housing https://t.co/xsHGamVonR pic.twitter.com/Ft44KRhXtv
— Defra UK (@DefraGovUK) January 11, 2018
Establish a £10 million nature friendly schools programme to allow pupils to plant gardens, tend vegetable patches and set up bird feeders;
End the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040;
Develop a set of measures to assess progress on the 25-year goals and refresh the plan regularly.
