Recommendations & Conclusions
42 items
5
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
We welcome the Government’s announcement of a ‘State of Nature’ target on species abundance for 2030. This goes some way in providing a legal mechanism to achieve nature goals, but for this to translate into urgent, transformative action, the target must capture other aspects of biodiversity and include interim targets.
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We welcome the Government’s announcement of a ‘State of Nature’ target on species abundance for 2030. This goes some way in providing a legal mechanism to achieve nature goals, but for this to translate into urgent, transformative action, the target must capture other aspects of biodiversity and include interim targets.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details efforts to invest in green skills and jobs, assess capacity needs for environmental policies, and strengthen government capabilities in environmental issues. It does not address the committee's specific recommendation regarding the scope and interim targets for the 'State of Nature' target …
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8
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
Invasive species contribute significantly to the decline in biodiversity levels in Great Britain. By its own admission, the Government has failed to prevent the arrival and continued spread of damaging invasive species. None of our predecessors’ recommendations on tackling invasive species—on funding, setting up an inspectorate, and creating a ‘nature …
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Invasive species contribute significantly to the decline in biodiversity levels in Great Britain. By its own admission, the Government has failed to prevent the arrival and continued spread of damaging invasive species. None of our predecessors’ recommendations on tackling invasive species—on funding, setting up an inspectorate, and creating a ‘nature volunteer force’—were adopted by Ministers: yet the incidence of invasive species, tree pests and diseases continues to increase.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response describes the 25 Year Environment Plan Outcome Indicator Framework, the use of earth observation technology, and funding for natural capital estimates. This response does not address the committee's conclusion regarding the failure to prevent the spread of invasive species.
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9
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
Invasive species continue to cost the economy £1.8 billion per year. It is significantly cheaper to prevent invasive species from establishing, rather than tackling them once they are established.
Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on marine protection, Marine Protected Areas, and managing fishing activities, but does not specifically address the committee's conclusion regarding the economic cost of invasive species or the importance of preventing their establishment.
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10
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
We strongly recommend that Ministers urgently review the recommendations of the Committee’s report on Invasive Species made in October 2019 and implement them without further delay. This includes increasing the proportion of biosecurity funding directed at countering invasive species to at least £3 million a year. (Paragraph 69) Measuring biodiversity
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We strongly recommend that Ministers urgently review the recommendations of the Committee’s report on Invasive Species made in October 2019 and implement them without further delay. This includes increasing the proportion of biosecurity funding directed at countering invasive species to at least £3 million a year. (Paragraph 69) Measuring biodiversity
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses healthy soil, sustainable farming practices, and soil health monitoring, but it does not address the recommendation to review and implement previous proposals on invasive species or to increase biosecurity funding.
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12
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
We recommend that Ministers make a material increase in levels of investment in training and skills for chartered ecology and associated disciplines. This ought to form an element of the Government’s promised investment in Green Jobs.
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of monitoring costs and spend, referencing existing funding and measures to leverage private finance for biodiversity. However, it does not specifically commit to increasing investment in training and skills for chartered ecology.
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13
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
The relationship between environmental monitoring and remedial action is far too weak. This must change. Data on biodiversity levels must inform decision-making in Government far more substantially than at present.
Government response AI summary
The government refers to recommendation 11 and states that spending plans beyond 2021-22 have not been set, with future plans to be agreed as part of SR21. This response does not address the committee's recommendation about strengthening the link between environmental monitoring and remedial action …
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14
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
We recommend a formal mechanism be established to review and act on the information provided in the Environmental Accounts.
Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on efforts to eliminate harmful subsidies, support international agreements, and ensure sustainable practices through legislation like the Fisheries Act and Subsidy Control Bill, but does not address the recommendation to establish a formal mechanism to review and act on Environmental Accounts.
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16
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
The efficient management of data relevant to assessing levels of biodiversity is made difficult due to the sheer variety of data systems used to monitor UK biodiversity.
Government response AI summary
The government details its plans for monitoring progress through the Environment Bill and an Outcome Indicator Framework, which is under development with an aim to finalise all indicators by 2024, but does not address the committee's observation regarding the difficulty caused by the variety of …
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17
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
We recommend that the Government implement a preferred approach to data management and monitoring, to strengthen a consistent evidence base on the UK’s natural capital. The Government should also make greater use of earth observation data as a cost-effective means of filling gaps in the data obtained from terrestrial monitoring.
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We recommend that the Government implement a preferred approach to data management and monitoring, to strengthen a consistent evidence base on the UK’s natural capital. The Government should also make greater use of earth observation data as a cost-effective means of filling gaps in the data obtained from terrestrial monitoring.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response outlines its 25 Year Environment Plan, the Environment Bill's provisions for environmental improvement plans and targets, and the establishment of the Office for Environmental Protection, but does not specifically address the recommendation for a preferred data management approach or greater use of …
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19
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
We reiterate the conclusions and recommendations of our predecessor Committee’s 2019 inquiry into Sustainable Seas. (Paragraph 97) • Ministers must urgently set out a timetable to put management plans and monitoring in place for all MPAs. • Different categories of destructive bottom trawling should be banned or restricted in all …
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We reiterate the conclusions and recommendations of our predecessor Committee’s 2019 inquiry into Sustainable Seas. (Paragraph 97) • Ministers must urgently set out a timetable to put management plans and monitoring in place for all MPAs. • Different categories of destructive bottom trawling should be banned or restricted in all MPAs, and more MPAs should be established as ‘no-take’ zones with benefits for the local fishing industry and for marine biodiversity. • MPAs established by the Blue Belt programme need to meet international best practice guideless, set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature for designation. • MPAs need to be monitored to deter illegal activity and to establish if species and habitats are recovering, to inform future designations and adaptive management decisions. • The Government should make better use of data from automatic identification systems installed in vessels operating in MPAs to understand the activity in these areas; the operators of vessels with these systems installed ought to be under an obligation to keep the systems active when in areas requiring monitoring. • The Government should establish a fully integrated monitoring and surveillance regime for satellite tracking of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in UK territorial waters.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response references a Written Ministerial Statement on the Landscapes Review and protected landscapes. This response does not address any of the committee's specific recommendations concerning Marine Protected Areas, bottom trawling, or marine monitoring and surveillance.
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20
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
Healthy soils are essential to biodiversity; and yet the data and indicators to measure soil health do not exist to the degree required to ensure effective monitoring. Without credible arrangements for monitoring and measuring soil health, the Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? 117 Government will not meet the …
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Healthy soils are essential to biodiversity; and yet the data and indicators to measure soil health do not exist to the degree required to ensure effective monitoring. Without credible arrangements for monitoring and measuring soil health, the Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? 117 Government will not meet the soil health commitments made in its own 25 Year Environment Plan. The Government must therefore urgently address this large data gap.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses gigabit broadband connectivity and the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme, which is entirely unrelated to the recommendation on addressing the soil health data gap.
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22
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
To deliver the Government’s environmental vision to improve the environment within a generation, arm’s length bodies and departments need to have the funding to do so. Budget cuts to biodiversity expenditure over the last decade have hindered this.
Government response AI summary
The government's response outlines commitments to establishing a Nature Recovery Network and Local Nature Recovery Strategies, which will guide funding from schemes like the future farming programme, but it does not directly address the committee's conclusion regarding past budget cuts hindering environmental efforts or commit …
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23
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
We recommend that the Government urgently review the funding allocated to bodies with responsibility for monitoring, protecting and increasing levels of biodiversity in England, consistent with its goals for nature recovery under the 25 Year Environment Plan. In the next Spending Review the Chancellor of the Exchequer must back the …
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We recommend that the Government urgently review the funding allocated to bodies with responsibility for monitoring, protecting and increasing levels of biodiversity in England, consistent with its goals for nature recovery under the 25 Year Environment Plan. In the next Spending Review the Chancellor of the Exchequer must back the Government’s ambition for nature recovery with a funding settlement for Natural England which properly reflects its statutory responsibilities and the tasks it is expected to perform.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses nature-based solutions and various environmental initiatives but does not specifically address the recommendation to urgently review funding for bodies monitoring biodiversity or to provide a proper funding settlement for Natural England in the next Spending Review.
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24
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
As the Public Accounts Committee has recently observed, there is no single point of responsibility within government for monitoring overall expenditure on environmental goals, and the Government does not have a good understanding of the total costs required to deliver its environmental goals. It is difficult to determine how much …
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As the Public Accounts Committee has recently observed, there is no single point of responsibility within government for monitoring overall expenditure on environmental goals, and the Government does not have a good understanding of the total costs required to deliver its environmental goals. It is difficult to determine how much of the funding announced by Ministers for these goals has so far been spent, and thus whether the Government’s funding commitments will in fact be met.
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Government response AI summary
The government has commissioned the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to develop a global environmental footprint indicator as part of the 25 Year Environment Plan. However, this response does not address the committee's concern about the lack of a single point of responsibility for monitoring environmental …
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25
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
We support the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee and the National Audit Office made in their work on Achieving government’s long-term environmental goals. The Government must provide a comprehensive, consistent, and time-bound record of funding for the 25 Year Environment Plan. In its response to this report, the Government …
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We support the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee and the National Audit Office made in their work on Achieving government’s long-term environmental goals. The Government must provide a comprehensive, consistent, and time-bound record of funding for the 25 Year Environment Plan. In its response to this report, the Government must set out in detail the funding committed to biodiversity since the announcement of the 25 Year Environment Plan; how much has been announced or otherwise promised to date; and how much has in fact been spent.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses international aid spending on family planning and reproductive health, which it links to global biodiversity, but does not address the recommendation to provide a detailed, time-bound record of UK funding for the 25 Year Environment Plan or domestic biodiversity.
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26
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
Between 2013–14 to 2019–20 Natural England’s baseline funding reduced by 49 per cent. The body considers that it can no longer deliver its statutory duties to a good standard as a direct consequence of these cuts. The cuts have fallen disproportionately on Natural England’s budget for monitoring and information provision.
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Between 2013–14 to 2019–20 Natural England’s baseline funding reduced by 49 per cent. The body considers that it can no longer deliver its statutory duties to a good standard as a direct consequence of these cuts. The cuts have fallen disproportionately on Natural England’s budget for monitoring and information provision.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses GDP limitations, the Bean Review, and funding for the ONS to improve natural capital estimates, but does not address the conclusion regarding Natural England's reduced funding and its impact on statutory duties.
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27
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
The Government increased Natural England’s baseline funding by £11.3 million in in 2020–21 and has committed to increasing this by a further £75 million. Whilst 118 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? the funding increase is welcome, it does little to provide the consistent multi-year investment required for Natural …
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The Government increased Natural England’s baseline funding by £11.3 million in in 2020–21 and has committed to increasing this by a further £75 million. Whilst 118 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? the funding increase is welcome, it does little to provide the consistent multi-year investment required for Natural England to deliver its duties and new responsibilities for nature recovery.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses global leadership in natural capital and international accounting standards. It does not address the committee's specific concern about Natural England's funding and the need for consistent multi-year investment.
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28
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
In the next multi-annual spending review, we recommend that Natural England receive a materially greater contribution in annual funding, in line with its 2020 Comprehensive Spending Review bid.
Government response AI summary
The government's response explains that spending reviews assess costs and benefits using the Green Book, which is being improved to include environmental impacts, but it does not address the specific recommendation for Natural England to receive materially greater funding.
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31
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
The Government is not on track to achieve its objective of improving the environment within a generation, and its 25 Year Environment Plan does not provide sufficient direction to change this. Despite repeated calls in the last five years by this Committee, the National Audit Office, the Public Accounts Committee …
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The Government is not on track to achieve its objective of improving the environment within a generation, and its 25 Year Environment Plan does not provide sufficient direction to change this. Despite repeated calls in the last five years by this Committee, the National Audit Office, the Public Accounts Committee and the Natural Capital Committee, the Government is yet to establish a baseline to measure progress against environmental goals. In the meantime, the UK’s natural capital assets appear to be continuing to deteriorate.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses exploring a new GCSE in Natural History and the benefits of outdoor learning, then details commitments related to nature-related financial disclosures, a Green Taxonomy, and the Green Finance Institute. However, it does not directly address the committee's core conclusion regarding the …
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32
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
The Government must urgently establish a baseline for the Outcome Indicator Framework. Defra’s planned Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment pilot, and any subsequent baseline exercise, must focus on measuring a clear set of representative natural capital assets across England. The Treasury should ensure the baseline assessment is properly funded at …
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The Government must urgently establish a baseline for the Outcome Indicator Framework. Defra’s planned Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment pilot, and any subsequent baseline exercise, must focus on measuring a clear set of representative natural capital assets across England. The Treasury should ensure the baseline assessment is properly funded at the next Spending Review.
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Government response AI summary
The government response describes the existing Outcome Indicator Framework but does not explicitly commit to urgently establishing a baseline for it, address funding, or detail Defra's pilot as requested.
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34
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
In all future progress reports on the 25 Year Environment Plan, information provided should relate to the Plan’s ten goals. Priority actions must be assessed year on year, as must local delivery of the plan through arm’s length bodies. From 2022 onwards the Government should set out indicators for how …
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In all future progress reports on the 25 Year Environment Plan, information provided should relate to the Plan’s ten goals. Priority actions must be assessed year on year, as must local delivery of the plan through arm’s length bodies. From 2022 onwards the Government should set out indicators for how the Environmental Land Management Scheme and Local Nature Recovery Strategies will be assessed to measure how these policies are delivering the aims of the Plan.
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Government response AI summary
The government response describes the existing Outcome Indicator Framework but does not address how future progress reports will relate to the ten goals, how priority actions will be assessed, or how ELM/LNRS will be assessed from 2022 onwards.
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41
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
The Government has failed to define what it means by net environmental gain as set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan, as its ambition for future development. The 120 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? failure to move towards a system of net environmental gain risks undermining the …
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The Government has failed to define what it means by net environmental gain as set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan, as its ambition for future development. The 120 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? failure to move towards a system of net environmental gain risks undermining the government’s plans for a green recovery and allows developers to focus entirely on biodiversity, rather than treat the environment as a system. This could lead to severe habitat fragmentation.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on the Biodiversity Net Gain policy and the Environment Bill's provisions for a 10% gain, without addressing the committee's concern about the lack of definition for a broader 'net environmental gain' or the risk of habitat fragmentation.
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43
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
Nature recovery does not happen overnight and must be maintained and built upon for generations. The proposed 30 year minimum to maintain biodiversity net gains will achieve little in terms of delivering long-lasting nature recovery.
Government response AI summary
The government's response describes the general Biodiversity Net Gain policy under the Environment Bill, but fails to address the committee's specific concern that the proposed 30-year minimum for maintaining gains is insufficient for long-lasting nature recovery.
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44
Conclusion
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
The Government’s Planning White Paper could have implications on the delivery of the biodiversity net gain policy. We believe planning reforms should not weaken or undermine biodiversity protection.
Government response AI summary
The government's response describes the general Biodiversity Net Gain policy under the Environment Bill, but fails to address the committee's specific concern about the potential for the Planning White Paper to weaken or undermine biodiversity protection.
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45
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
To allow the biodiversity net gain policy to fulfil its transformative potential within the UK’s built environment we recommend that: • The Government should explain how and when it will move to embedding environmental net gain in the planning system, with clear actions and milestones provided to achieve this goal. …
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To allow the biodiversity net gain policy to fulfil its transformative potential within the UK’s built environment we recommend that: • The Government should explain how and when it will move to embedding environmental net gain in the planning system, with clear actions and milestones provided to achieve this goal. • Mandatory gains should endure, rather than only being maintained for the stated 30 year minimum. • The Government should strengthen local authority capacity and enforcement mechanisms to deliver biodiversity net gain and developers should demonstrate their environmental performance and implementation of mitigation measures as part of good Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance. • The National Planning Policy Framework should be reviewed to ensure reforms strengthen biodiversity restoration and protection and any proposals which undermine biodiversity be addressed.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response outlines the existing Biodiversity Net Gain policy via the Environment Bill, ensuring a minimum 10% gain, but does not address the specific recommendations regarding embedding environmental net gain, extending mandatory gains beyond 30 years, strengthening local authority capacity, or reviewing the National …
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54
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
To realise the benefits of nature-based solutions to climate change, we recommend that: a) The UK adopt a clear definition of NbS and consider using the IUCN definition alongside the IUCN Global Standard for NbS. b) The Government prioritise protection and maintenance of the ecosystems we already have over the …
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To realise the benefits of nature-based solutions to climate change, we recommend that: a) The UK adopt a clear definition of NbS and consider using the IUCN definition alongside the IUCN Global Standard for NbS. b) The Government prioritise protection and maintenance of the ecosystems we already have over the creation of new ecosystems. This must include greater efforts to preserve ecosystems found outside of protected areas. c) The proposed ban on the production and sale of horticultural peat be brought forward, as soon as possible before 2023. d) Tree planting should not occur on peat soils and floodplains would be better used for restoring floodplain meadows rather than afforestation projects. e) Tax incentives be given to investors in NbS schemes who have ambitious and credible net zero plans and are working to remove biodiversity loss from their supply chains. (Paragraph 260) Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? 123 The economics of biodiversity
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Government response AI summary
The government highlights its investment in nature restoration and nature-based solutions, including the Nature for Climate and Green Recovery Challenge funds, and the Peatland Grant Scheme for peatland restoration, but does not address specific recommendations on defining NbS, bringing forward the peat ban, or providing …
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58
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
In response to this report, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office should set out the extent to which the announced cuts to the UK’s aid budget will affect overseas development assistance for family planning and reproductive healthcare. We recommend that ODA for family planning and reproductive healthcare be protected: at …
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In response to this report, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office should set out the extent to which the announced cuts to the UK’s aid budget will affect overseas development assistance for family planning and reproductive healthcare. We recommend that ODA for family planning and reproductive healthcare be protected: at the very least the percentage allocated to both these areas should be equal or higher than 2019 levels.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the positive impact of family planning and its commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights, citing past spending and future global health funding. However, it does not set out the extent to which aid budget cuts will specifically affect family planning …
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71
Recommendation
First Report - Biodiversity in the UK: …
Not Addressed
To increase education on biodiversity we: a) Support the establishment of a Natural History GCSE; b) Recommend the Department for Education re-evaluate the opportunities for nature visits and teaching outside, as part of its support to schools recovering from the education impacts of covid-19; c) Recommend the Department for Education …
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To increase education on biodiversity we: a) Support the establishment of a Natural History GCSE; b) Recommend the Department for Education re-evaluate the opportunities for nature visits and teaching outside, as part of its support to schools recovering from the education impacts of covid-19; c) Recommend the Department for Education and Defra work together to get school children involved in the Government’s afforestation project; d) Recommend Government emphasise its leadership in increasing knowledge and recognition of the importance and value of nature by requiring every Permanent Secretary across Government and every civil servant and Minister in the HM Treasury to undertake a basic ecology briefing as part of mandatory induction; e) Recommend the Government explore setting up a biodiversity education charter to increase knowledge of biodiversity risk within the finance sector. (Paragraph 342) Appendices Frog peeking out of watering can. Photo: Tony Bond 128 Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust?
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Government response AI summary
The government is exploring a Natural History GCSE but has made no commitment. It recognises the benefits of outdoor learning, but does not explicitly commit to re-evaluating new opportunities, involving children in afforestation, mandatory ecology briefings for civil servants, or establishing a biodiversity education charter.
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3
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
We recommend that the Government urgently prioritise the development of the indicator on overseas environmental impacts of UK consumption of key commodities, since a better understanding of the environmental impacts of imported products is crucial to meeting the Government’s objectives in this regard. The indicator ought to be prepared for …
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We recommend that the Government urgently prioritise the development of the indicator on overseas environmental impacts of UK consumption of key commodities, since a better understanding of the environmental impacts of imported products is crucial to meeting the Government’s objectives in this regard. The indicator ought to be prepared for release not later than the date of the next Outcome Indicator Framework update. We also recommend that the Government commit to setting an environmental footprint target using this indicator once developed.
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Government response AI summary
The government details its Net Zero Strategy and the use of the Green Book for environmental impact in spending, but does not commit to developing the specific indicator on overseas environmental impacts of UK consumption or setting a related footprint target.
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4
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
Ministers should consider how best to encourage behavioural change towards more sustainable and ethical patterns of consumption. Subsidies, environmental tax measures and tax reliefs are some of the financial and fiscal tools available to government. The Public Accounts Committee has criticised the Government’s grasp of the potential for tax measures …
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Ministers should consider how best to encourage behavioural change towards more sustainable and ethical patterns of consumption. Subsidies, environmental tax measures and tax reliefs are some of the financial and fiscal tools available to government. The Public Accounts Committee has criticised the Government’s grasp of the potential for tax measures to bring about environmental change and has recommended that from the next budget, the Treasury should: assess the environmental impact of every tax change considered; and publish the expected environmental impact for each tax measure in the budget, including the extent of behavioural change, alongside forecasts for tax receipts. The Treasury have since rejected these recommendations as impractical and not cost-effective. We consider this to be a short-sighted approach; it will be more costly to the environment and the economy to not consider fully the environmental impacts of policy and tax changes. The approach calls into question the extent to which environment costings are properly considered in developing and setting tax policy.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on environmental impact assessments within Free Trade Agreements and tackling illegal wildlife trade, rather than addressing the recommendation to encourage behavioural change through financial tools or the Treasury's approach to environmental tax measures.
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5
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
The Committee looks forward to seeing an ambitious approach from Government to embedding Net Zero in all policy decisions in its forthcoming Net Zero Strategy.
Government response AI summary
The government's response details compliance with Greening Government Commitments and annual reporting on sustainable procurement and buying standards, but it does not address the committee's specific point about the ambition of its forthcoming Net Zero Strategy.
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6
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
In the Net Zero Strategy, the Government should commit to evaluating all taxation changes against how well they deliver on the Government’s environmental objectives. 48 The UK’s footprint on global biodiversity The Government’s approach to how taxation changes will be developed and assessed to achieve this should also be set …
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In the Net Zero Strategy, the Government should commit to evaluating all taxation changes against how well they deliver on the Government’s environmental objectives. 48 The UK’s footprint on global biodiversity The Government’s approach to how taxation changes will be developed and assessed to achieve this should also be set out in the Strategy.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the forthcoming Government Food Strategy and environmental land management schemes, but does not address the recommendation to commit to evaluating all taxation changes against environmental objectives in the Net Zero Strategy.
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7
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
The Net Zero Strategy should include an explicit commitment to Net Zero stress test all future fiscal events and a commitment to develop a nature stress test to be used for fiscal events. The Net Zero Strategy must be published before the start of COP26.
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The Net Zero Strategy should include an explicit commitment to Net Zero stress test all future fiscal events and a commitment to develop a nature stress test to be used for fiscal events. The Net Zero Strategy must be published before the start of COP26.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response outlines broader commitments to green investment, anti-deforestation legislation, and international agreements, but does not address the recommendation for Net Zero or nature stress testing of future fiscal events.
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8
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
For the Government to make good on its support for environmental sustainability to be at the heart of global production and trade, it needs to mainstream biodiversity considerations more consistently into its trade agreements and operations. Leaving the European Union has provided an opportunity to promote the highest environmental and …
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For the Government to make good on its support for environmental sustainability to be at the heart of global production and trade, it needs to mainstream biodiversity considerations more consistently into its trade agreements and operations. Leaving the European Union has provided an opportunity to promote the highest environmental and social standards in trade. We welcome Ministers’ willingness to use future trade agreements as market signals for sustainably produced commodities and their support for considering the environmental impacts of agreements. We also welcome the Government’s leadership in establishing the Wildlife Financial Taskforce.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the importance of financing for nature and the Global Environment Facility's performance, but does not address the specific recommendation to mainstream biodiversity considerations into trade agreements and operations.
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9
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
We recommend that sustainability impact assessments be conducted for all future trade agreements and that as part of the Government’s Nature Strategy the Government consider how to monitor and deliver environmental net gain in trade deals. In response to this report the Government should set out how it intends to …
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We recommend that sustainability impact assessments be conducted for all future trade agreements and that as part of the Government’s Nature Strategy the Government consider how to monitor and deliver environmental net gain in trade deals. In response to this report the Government should set out how it intends to widen participation in the Wildlife Financial Taskforce, whether through proposing a statutory obligation on businesses of a certain size, or through other means.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details its commitments and existing overseas development assistance programmes related to nature and biodiversity, but does not address the recommendations for sustainability impact assessments for future trade agreements or widening participation in the Wildlife Financial Taskforce.
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10
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
We welcome and agree with the Secretary of State’s analysis that addressing the sustainability of the UK’s global supply chains will be one of the most powerful ways in which the UK can reduce its adverse impact on levels of international biodiversity. The degradation of ecosystems brings supply chain, market …
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We welcome and agree with the Secretary of State’s analysis that addressing the sustainability of the UK’s global supply chains will be one of the most powerful ways in which the UK can reduce its adverse impact on levels of international biodiversity. The degradation of ecosystems brings supply chain, market and financial risks. Monitoring the impact of UK activities abroad presents obvious challenges: nevertheless, efforts must be stepped up to make overseas biodiversity monitoring a reality.
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Government response AI summary
The government response is a verbatim repetition of the committee's recommendation, stating that efforts must be stepped up to make overseas biodiversity monitoring a reality, without outlining any specific government action to achieve this.
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11
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
Sustainable government procurement presents a pathway to increasing the sustainability of supply chains. Yet Government performance against existing sustainable procurement policies has been unimpressive. The removal of the mandatory reporting obligation by Government departments against the Greening Government Commitments has led to a dearth of data and has hampered the …
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Sustainable government procurement presents a pathway to increasing the sustainability of supply chains. Yet Government performance against existing sustainable procurement policies has been unimpressive. The removal of the mandatory reporting obligation by Government departments against the Greening Government Commitments has led to a dearth of data and has hampered the monitoring of compliance with the Government Buying Standards, to the extent that it appears at present impossible to know whether departments have improved their sustainable procurement performance. In the run up to COP15 and COP26, and at a time when the Government should be showing leadership on sustainability issues, its departments appear instead to be moving backwards. This increased opacity over departmental sustainability practices is unacceptable.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on addressing climate change and biodiversity loss through COP26 outcomes and the Leaders' Pledge for Nature, failing to address the committee's specific concerns regarding sustainable government procurement and mandatory reporting obligations.
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12
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
We welcome the news that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is considering restarting the routine reporting of levels of compliance with Government buying standards. We also note with approval the effect that Government commitments on the importation of sustainable palm oil has had on the supply chains …
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We welcome the news that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is considering restarting the routine reporting of levels of compliance with Government buying standards. We also note with approval the effect that Government commitments on the importation of sustainable palm oil has had on the supply chains of companies importing palm oil to the UK. (Paragraph 53) The UK’s footprint on global biodiversity 49
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Government response AI summary
The government response is incomplete and only reiterates the committee's conclusion, failing to address the substance of the committee's welcome for routine reporting on Government buying standards and sustainable palm oil commitments.
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16
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
90% of respondents to the Government’s consultation on new laws for forest-risk commodities believed proposals should be extended so that it is illegal for UK businesses to use any key commodities related to deforestation in their supply chains. We agree with stakeholders that global deforestation and the UK’s contribution to …
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90% of respondents to the Government’s consultation on new laws for forest-risk commodities believed proposals should be extended so that it is illegal for UK businesses to use any key commodities related to deforestation in their supply chains. We agree with stakeholders that global deforestation and the UK’s contribution to it cannot be tackled without bold and ambitious action. This should include moving to deforestation-free supply chains. The finance sector should be included in due diligence obligations if the UK is to avoid funding deforestation through lending and investments.
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Government response AI summary
The government response is incomplete and only reiterates the committee's recommendation, failing to address the substance of making it illegal for UK businesses and the finance sector to use commodities linked to deforestation.
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18
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
The UK Overseas Territories are home to 94 per cent of British endemic species and 90 per cent of the biodiversity for which the UK Government has responsibility. The territories are also of global importance given the large proportion of the world’s albatross and penguin species found in these territories. …
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The UK Overseas Territories are home to 94 per cent of British endemic species and 90 per cent of the biodiversity for which the UK Government has responsibility. The territories are also of global importance given the large proportion of the world’s albatross and penguin species found in these territories. Given this, environmental preservation and the improvement of these territories must be a priority for the UK Government. We welcome the impressive global leadership the UK has demonstrated through the establishment of the Blue Belt Programme, and the Global Ocean Alliance. (Paragraph 74) 50 The UK’s footprint on global biodiversity
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Government response AI summary
The government response merely repeats the committee's conclusion verbatim without providing any specific action, commitment, or further engagement.
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20
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
Consideration of natural capital must be a priority in the assessment of overseas development assistance projects. Nature sustains all of us and becomes even more critical in a developing country context. We welcome the Government’s announcement of a new International Biodiversity Fund and its commitment to nature-proof all overseas development …
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Consideration of natural capital must be a priority in the assessment of overseas development assistance projects. Nature sustains all of us and becomes even more critical in a developing country context. We welcome the Government’s announcement of a new International Biodiversity Fund and its commitment to nature-proof all overseas development assistance expenditure. We now need to see the detail of how the Government intends to achieve this and how the Government will mainstream consideration of biodiversity across development, trade, security and foreign policy. We regret that the Government’s international climate finance commitments, including its commitment to £3 billion on nature-based solutions to climate change, is not new and additional funding, but rather a redirection of the existing and reduced aid budget.
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Government response AI summary
The government response is incomplete and only reiterates the committee's conclusion, failing to address the detail of how it will nature-proof ODA expenditure or the committee's regret regarding the source of international climate finance.
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23
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK's footprint on g…
Not Addressed
We reiterate our welcome for the UK Government’s leadership in establishing the Global Ocean Alliance and signing the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature. We also welcome the establishment of nature as a key theme for COP26.
Government response AI summary
The government's response is a direct repetition of the committee's welcome for its leadership in establishing the Global Ocean Alliance and Leaders' Pledge for Nature, and for nature as a key theme for COP26.
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