The Latest Breaking News from Defra

Species index fell by 4% between 2019 and 2024 – although data shows woodland populations beginning to stabilise

The Government hopes the measures can help to unblock stalled developments and contribute to water-saving targets.

The Office for Environmental Protection said the marine environment in England and Northern Ireland remains in a highly degraded state.

Defra says blanket ban on ‘destructive’ fishing practice disproportionate as MPs urge minister to reconsider

Farmers say they ‘feel abandoned’ and have been left in the dark about whether environmental payments will roll over.

Labour proposes to ban winter burning from over half of England’s peatland

Other projects could also be made ‘faster’ by a drive to scrap and streamline environmental rules, Steve Reed said.

The latest round of negotiations for a UN global plastics treaty has ended without a deal. After more than three years of talks, deep divisions remain. Agreement is only marginally closer than before talks began. For many countries, campaigners and observer organisations, the outcome is deeply disappointing.

Price rise to three times original budget is a blow to government’s reservoir expansion plans

Foreign companies selling electronics to British shoppers via online platforms like Amazon and eBay will have to start contributing to e-waste costs.

IN FOCUS: Nick Ferris talks to groups around Britain and Africa about the cost-cutting that is already taking place, and the difficult few years ahead