Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on bringing forward legislative proposals to replace retained EU law on environmental protections following the passage of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill 2022.

Policy on environmental protections is owned by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and any decisions regarding retained EU law on environmental protections are for Defra Ministers to take.

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has not held discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the content of Defra policy.

The UK is a world leader in environmental protections. In reviewing our retained EU law, we want to ensure that environmental law is fit for purpose for the United Kingdom’s unique environment, enabling us to drive improved environmental outcomes and deliver on our commitment to halt nature’s decline by 2030.