Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

What steps he is taking to ensure that (a) environmental impact assessments and (b) strategic environmental assessments are prioritised as part of the Government's planning reforms.

As set out in our Planning White Paper, we recognise the vital role environmental assessment plays in ensuring the environment is embedded in decision-making.

Leaving the EU gives us the opportunity to reframe these assessments to ensure they are delivering for the country – supporting decision-making and helping us meet the commitment of the 25 Year Environment Plan to be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we found it.