Press Statement: Government is not delivering on its promises for nature
Statement in response to a report published today by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) on progress in improving the natural environment
13/01/26
Sadly, it’s no surprise to see that the government is still largely off track in delivering the green and blue spaces that will help communities and economies thrive and prosper.
In its revised Environmental Improvement Plan last year, not to mention its 2024 election manifesto, the government promised to deliver for nature and people, but we are yet to see this in reality. With the Water White Paper expected any day now, and a raft of further environmental policy and legislation promised in 2026, the opportunity to deliver the scale and pace of improvements that the environmental crisis demands is there for the taking and the government must seize the moment.
They could take a huge step towards achieving many green and blue goals by supporting farmers and landowners to make space for water by creating a network of nature-rich corridors along all rivers – a no regrets action that will build resilience to an ever-changing climate, boost biodiversity, protect and improve the economy, and serve communities too.
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive