New rules for burning on protected blanket bog habitats
There is coverage following our announcement on plans to bring forward legislation to prevent the burning of heather and other vegetation on protected blanket bog habitats.
Defra Press Office
The UK joins the International Coffee Organisation
Today, the International Coffee Organisation (ICO) officially welcomed the UK as its newest individual importing Member. This took place at a virtual ceremony hosted by the ICO. The United Kingdom has completed the process of accession to the ICO and …
Consultation launched on bovine TB eradication strategy
Today we look at widespread national and regional coverage of the government’s plans for the next phase of its strategy to eradicate bovine tuberculosis in England by 2038.
Environment Bill – next steps
As the Government confirms the Environment Bill will be carried over to the next parliamentary session, we look into the next steps for the landmark Bill.
New global coalition launched to tackle climate change impacts
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today (25 January) announced a new international coalition to tackle the impacts of climate change. The news has been covered by Reuters and France24, among other outlets.
Guardian coverage of flood defences
Today The Guardian has reported on the condition of flood defences across England, stating that thousands of people and businesses are ‘at risk from ruined assets’. However, the article did not recognise that when defences are listed as below the required condition it does not necessarily mean that they have structurally failed, or that performance in a flood is compromised.
Defra responds to coverage on plastic waste exports
The Government's commitment to ban plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries goes further than the EU’s ban on Y48 plastics, and work is underway to make this happen.
Storm Overflows Taskforce sets goal to end pollution from storm overflows
We look at coverage of an update from the Storm Overflows Taskforce on its long term goal and new commitments from the water industry to increase transparency around storm overflows.
Response to Guardian coverage about historic landfill sites
We have provided a response regarding the Envionment Agency’s responsibilties for regulating landfill sites.
Flood defences across England
This morning, there is coverage on the condition of flood defences across England, following an appearance by the Environment Agency’s Chief Executive, Sir James Bevan before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee of MPs on Thursday.