Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department's policies of the Dasgupta Review, published on 2 February 2021.

The Government agrees with the central conclusion of the Dasgupta Review that nature, and the biodiversity that underpins it, sustains our economies, livelihoods and wellbeing. It is therefore committed to integrating nature into economic and financial decision-making, and the institutions and systems that underpin it.

As set out at the Budget, the Government is investing in the natural environment, confirming £5 billion over two years to support the transition to a more productive and environmentally sustainable agricultural sector in England, and at least £400m for tree planting and restoration to protect soils, rivers and biodiversity.

The Treasury continues to explore ways to strengthen processes for assessing the climate and environmental impacts of fiscal decisions and improve the Green Book in line with emerging evidence and best practice, building on the extensive guidance already provided for evaluating and monetising natural capital impacts.