Archive: Environment And Rural Affairs

Police forces spend millions subsidising gun owners

Government blocked plans to raise fees on guns.

BASC highlights rural crime concerns during Stormont meeting

The UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), has highlighted its concerns about rural crime and policing during a Stormont meeting.
Scottish land reform proposals would damage fragile rural communities claim sporting and land management organisations

A group of sporting and land management organisations have voiced their concerns over a number of land reform proposals in an open letter to Dr Aileen McLeod, the Minister responsible for Land Reform in Scotland.

Liz Truss: A not-very-green environment secretary

Liz Truss, the woman now charged with watching out for Britain's environment, used to spend her days working for Shell - and has been a vocal supporter of a third runway at Heathrow. So why has David Cameron made her the next environment secretary?
Forum for the Future: Finding the 'holy grail' of sustainability

Founded in 1996 by Jonathan Porritt, Paul Ekins and Sara Parkin, Forum for the Future works with businesses in food, finance and energy to embed sustainability into the fabric of their strategy.

The next fox-hunting? Lead ammo in the firing line

Storm clouds are gathering for another big battle in countryside politics, as conservationists prepare to take on shooting sports over the use of lead ammunition.
Critics prepare for fight after badger cull debate given go-ahead

Opponents of the badger cull were jubilant yesterday after MPs were given the go-ahead to officially debate the policy.

Friends of the Earth: Reforms allowing floodplain construction must be dropped

Friends of the Earth's director of policy and campaigns Craig Bennett responds to the public accounts committee's report on flood management in England, which warns of uncertainty about who will pay:
MPs: Flooding responsibility question-marks are unacceptable

The public accounts committee's chair Margaret Hodge explains the thinking behind its report on flood management:

Insurers: Safety net needed for flooding risk

The Association of British Insurers' director-general Otto Thoresen outlines the industry's problems with regard to flooding risk:
Government's green credentials put to the test

David Cameron's promise to lead the greenest government ever is to be tested later today with the publication of the natural environment white paper.

Lukewarm reception for nature white paper

Caroline Spelman launched the much anticipated 'Natural Choice' white paper today to a mooted reaction from environment groups.
'Slipper skippers' threaten fishing industry

Fishermen's livelihoods are at risk from "slipper skippers" and organisations selling fishing quota as a commodity, MPs warned today.

Officials put price on nature's value

Government officials have attempted to quantify the value of nature to the UK economy in an independent report out today.
Record emissions prompt climate change warning

Britain may have to double its investments in cutting carbon emissions to up to two per cent of GDP, Nicholas Stern has warned.

Coalition's carbon cuts contain get-out clause

Ministers could reverse their commitment by cutting carbon emissions to match the EU, Chris Huhne has told MPs.
Ministers refusing to define sustainable development in law

Ministers' refusal to define sustainable development in legislation is set to prompt a Commons vote later.

Cabinet showdown looms over carbon emissions

Ministers face the first major test of their environmental credentials as they discuss whether to accept an independent committee's advice.
Cabinet splits over carbon budgets

Chris Huhne faces opposition from other government departments over plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, according to reports.

Spelman: We'll still sell off the forests

Caroline Spelman still hopes to sell off a chunk of England's forests, she has admitted to MPs, despite February's embarrassing U-turn on the issue.
Solar shakeup set to disappoint campaigners

Fears are growing that the coalition could scrap existing plans to facilitate the development of solar power.

Govt turns a new page on green policy

The government will unveil plans to push the UK towards a green economy today, amid accusations that it lacks a substantial environmental agenda.
Climate change 'demands new diplomacy'

A new "politics driven" diplomatic approach is required to tackle global warming, the Foreign Office's special representative for climate change said yesterday.

Govt cancels forests sell-off in dramatic U-turn

The government has cancelled plans to sell off English forests following a successful and well-organised public campaign.
Govt signals U-turn on forest sell-off

There are firm signs of a U-turn on plans to sell-off England's forests, triggering celebrations among campaigners.

Lib Dems nervy over forest plans

Nine Liberal Democrat MPs have called on the coalition to "reconsider" its plans to sell off the country's forests.
MPs warn of flood defence funding gap

Cuts to funding for flood defences could leave five million properties temporarily at risk, MPs have claimed.