Baroness Willis of Summertown

The primary statutory framework for climate adaptation and resilience is the Climate Change Act 2008. Through this, the Government produces regular Climate Change Risk Assessments and the National Adaptation Programme. This Government is committed to strengthening adaptation objectives to improve preparedness for climate impacts and will launch an ambitious fourth National Adaptation Programme in 2028, which will deliver more integrated and effective resilience planning.

Alongside the National Adaptation Programme, action towards delivering existing environmental targets under the Environment Act will support climate resilience by improving the condition of the natural environment, with a clear plan set out in the Environmental Improvement Plan.

The primary statutory framework for climate adaptation and resilience is the Climate Change Act 2008. Through this, the Government produces regular Climate Change Risk Assessments and the National Adaptation Programme. This Government is committed to strengthening adaptation objectives to improve preparedness for climate impacts and will launch an ambitious fourth National Adaptation Programme in 2028, which will deliver more integrated and effective resilience planning.

Alongside the National Adaptation Programme, action towards delivering existing environmental targets under the Environment Act will support climate resilience by improving the condition of the natural environment, with a clear plan set out in the Environmental Improvement Plan.

The Biodiversity Net Gain consultation on a potential additional targeted exemption for certain residential brownfield development closed on 10 June 2026. All responses and evidence submissions are being analysed and this Government will respond to the consultation in due course. If any regulatory changes are confirmed in the response, the Better Regulations Framework and the equality impacts will be considered under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

The Biodiversity Net Gain consultation on a potential additional targeted exemption for certain residential brownfield development closed on 10 June 2026. All responses and evidence submissions are being analysed and this Government will respond to the consultation in due course. If any regulatory changes are confirmed in the response, the Better Regulations Framework and the equality impacts will be considered under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Defra and the Forestry Commission are confirming plans for 2025-26 following the Autumn Statement and will be able to share more following the conclusion of our internal business planning exercise.

Network Rail has not specifically mapped wildlife corridors, though, the 32,000 kilometres of boundary alongside the rail network, contains habitats managed to enable safe railway operations whilst benefitting biodiversity where possible.

The very nature of the railway’s linear infrastructure passing through urban and rural habitats means it will be used as a corridor by all forms of wildlife.

Decisions on installing rooftop or car park solar panels are made locally by station owners and stakeholders taking into account costs, benefits and local circumstances.

Currently, there are 26 railway stations managed by rail operators at the Department for Transport Operator with rooftop or car park solar panels in use.