In this roundup, Asim Ali, IEMA’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, explores the latest updates and what they mean for the future of UK environmental governance.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 

Water & Weather Resilience 

National Drought Group reconvenes 

The Environment Agency has reconvened the National Drought Group to coordinate preparations and is urging water companies to cut leakage and promote water efficiency among customers.  

Government steps in on new reservoirs

In related news, the government is stepping in to accelerate the development of two major new reservoirs. The aim is to safeguard future water supply for around 750,000 homes and to support anticipated housing growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.  

Nature, Farming & Rural Policy 

Higher Level Stewardship funding boost 

DEFRA has announced a £30 million funding boost for farmers participating in the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme. This uplift will increase payments for thousands of farmers delivering nature-friendly practices such as habitat management and landscape protection.  

New Deputy Chair for Natural England 

Natural England has appointed Peter Unwin CB as its new Deputy Chair. He has served on the board since 2020 and will continue in this expanded role until December 2025.  

DEFRA sets out rural proofing strategy 

DEFRA has published a new policy paper setting out how government departments should approach “rural proofing” — that is, ensuring that the unique circumstances of rural communities are properly considered in policy development.  

Public Health & Waste

Single-use vapes to be banned from June 2025

From 1st June 2025, single-use vapes will no longer be available in shops across England. The ban is aimed at reducing plastic and battery waste while also tackling underage use of nicotine products.  

Biodiversity Consultations 

BNG for large infrastructure projects 

Two key consultations on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy are currently open. The first focuses on how BNG should be applied to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). The government is seeking views on how best to ensure these large developments contribute positively to nature, while recognising the unique challenges they pose in terms of scale, delivery timelines, and ecological monitoring. The consultation is open until 24th July 2025. 

Improving BNG for smaller developments 

The second consultation invites feedback on improving how BNG is delivered for smaller projects — including minor and medium-scale developments and those on brownfield land. The government is exploring ways to simplify processes, reduce administrative burdens, and maintain ecological outcomes in more constrained contexts. This consultation is also open until 24th July 2025.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero  

International & National Strategy

UK–Norway Green Energy Partnership signed 

The UK and Norway have signed a new Green Energy Partnership to deepen collaboration on clean technologies like offshore wind and hydrogen. The agreement is designed to stimulate investment, enhance energy security, and support joint projects between British and Norwegian companies.  

Great British Energy moves forward

Legislation to establish Great British Energy has now passed through Parliament. The new body will focus on scaling up clean power generation, supporting net zero goals, and delivering energy cost savings over time.  

Infrastructure & Community Support 

Public buildings to receive energy upgrades 

Public buildings across England, including schools and care homes, are in line for energy efficiency upgrades. These improvements are expected to cut carbon, reduce bills, and save taxpayers around £650 million annually by 2037.  

Community benefits for hosting renewables 

Coastal towns and rural areas hosting renewable infrastructure will benefit from a new community funding initiative. Developers of projects like offshore wind farms and solar installations will be expected to contribute directly to local priorities — such as improving community spaces, supporting job training, or investing in public services.  

Clean Energy Consultation 

Call for evidence: solar on car parks & EV infrastructure

DESNZ is currently running a call for evidence on whether to require solar canopies over new outdoor car parks in England. The department is also seeking views on planning rules around electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The aim is to support decarbonisation while ensuring regulations are fit for purpose and enable rapid infrastructure deployment. This call for evidence is open until 18th  June 2025.  

Select Committees 

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee 

The EFRA Committee questioned Thames Water leadership on the company’s handling of leaks, pollution, and governance issues. The committee also launched a new inquiry into how the UK can transition to a circular economy and reduce plastic waste, while recommending that planned changes to inheritance tax reliefs affecting farming be delayed to avoid disrupting rural businesses. 

Environmental Audit Committee (EAC)

The EAC has warned that the UK is at risk of missing its 30x30 target — to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030 — unless there is stronger ministerial leadership and more engagement from the private sector. The committee also responded critically to the government’s review of its Environmental Principles Policy Statement, calling for clearer accountability and implementation mechanisms.

APPGS 

Climate Change APPG

On Wednesday 11th June, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Climate Change will host a Parliamentary roundtable with Michael Shanks MP, Minister for Energy at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The session will provide MPs and stakeholders with an update on the North Sea transition. 

Environment APPG

At a recent Environment APPG event, parliamentarians and associate members gathered to discuss the UK’s progress on climate adaptation following the publication of the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) latest report: Progress in adapting to climate change: 2025 report to Parliament.