New measures to boost access to nature announced
The start of a search for a new National Park is amongst new nature projects announced today.
Defra Press Office
Response to Surfers Against Sewage report
Today (21 November) there has been media coverage of a report by Surfers Against Sewage which claims 60% of inland swimming spots that they monitored would be classified as ‘poor’ if officially designated as bathing waters. To note, it is …
Coverage of NAO report on resilience to flooding
Today we are responding to coverage of the National Audit Office’s report on resilience to flooding.
Update on beet sugar negotiations
Annual price negotiations are ongoing between British Sugar and NFU Sugar on next year’s beet sugar price, with no agreement yet being reached. A Defra spokesperson said: Defra has had further discussion with all parties. The Government recognises the importance …
Coverage of XL Bully announcement
There has been widespread coverage, including in the BBC following our announcement that the XL Bully type has been added to the list of dogs banned under Dangerous Dogs Act. This means that from 31 December 2023 breeding, selling, advertising, …
Guardian article on English flood defences
Today we are responding to article in the Guardian about English flood defences
Government response to EFRA Committee report on species reintroduction published
Today we are looking at the government response to the EFRA Committee’s report on species reintroduction
Coverage of consultation launched to ban wet wipes containing plastic
Today we are looking at coverage of a consultation launched on Saturday on banning wet wipes that contain plastic.
Sunday Telegraph article about Natural England’s position on housebuilding
An article in the Telegraph (14 October) picks up on comments made by Natural England chair Tony Juniper on X (formally Twitter) regarding media reports about the role of housebuilding on scrubland. The Telegraph also includes criticism from some quarters that Tony is opposed to housebuilding.
Times article on Environment Agency inspections
An article published in The Times today covering Environment Agency inspections has said checks on water companies and individuals are drawing too much water from English rivers and aquifers have fallen over the last four years. At the same time, …