Paterson slams “straightjacket” UK energy policy

Former Environment Secretary Owen Paterson slammed UK energy policy as “foolish” and a “straightjacket” in a speech last night. Addressing the climate change sceptic group Global Warming Policy Foundation, headed by Lord Lawson he called for the Climate Change Act to be scrapped. Instead of renewables, he proposed “accelerating” shale gas exploration and mini nuclear […]

Liz Truss replaces Owen Paterson as Environment Secretary

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Dodgy UK air quality under MPs’ microscope

Has enough been done to cleanse British air of deadly pollution since the problem was last flagged up by concerned MPs in 2010? That’s what the members of parliament’s environmental watchdog are asking in a new inquiry launched today. Four years ago they recommended six areas for improvement, including Defra’s strategy, more support for local […]

Lords to drill Environment Secretary on shale gas

Tomorrow the Environment Secretary will take questions from the Lords on the role his department takes in regulating shale gas and fracking. Government is keenly promoting shale gas as a future boon to the economy and last week the Prime Minister told world leaders in Davos it could bring jobs back to Europe with cheap […]

Storm sparks flood warning for coastal communities

Coastal villages in the north-west and south-west of England and Wales should brace themselves after the Environment Agency issued severe flood warnings today. The body said it expects a combination of strong winds with high tides and large waves from the early hours of tomorrow. Areas particularly at risk include the Isles of Scilly, the […]

Businesses in England can switch water suppliers from 2017

Businesses and public bodies are expected to save thousands of pounds when given the freedom to choose their water and sewerage suppliers from 2017, it was announced yesterday. Debating the second reading of the Water Bill in the House of Commons, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson (pictured) said the main focus of the Bill is the […]

Paterson pleads with water firms to curb prices

Water companies are being urged to scrap their planned price hikes for consumers and ease the pressure on householders’ finances. In a letter to the CEOs of all major water firms, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson (pictured) is calling on them to “look closely” at whether price increases are necessary and to introduce special tariffs for […]

Reshuffle gives green light to dash for gas?

The reshuffle could potentially give the green light to a ‘dash for gas’, the Global Warming Policy Foundation said today. David Cameron’s promise to be the “greenest Government ever” was questioned today after appointing MP Owen Paterson as Environment Secretary, who many say is a climate sceptic. Benny Peiser, director of the climate change sceptic […]

Owen Paterson takes over as Environment Secretary

Owen Paterson will become Environment Secretary after the Prime Minister’s Cabinet reshuffle today. The former Northern Ireland Secretary and conservative MP  takes over from fellow Tory Caroline Spelman and will become responsible for a budget of more than £2billion at the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. He voted moderately for policies to stop climate […]