The Environmental Policy Forum issues open letter to Ministers

Following the UK General Election on 4^th July, the Environmental Policy Forum (EPF) has written to several new government Ministers, outlining our ten priorities for a better environment and healthier economy.

We previously shared our ten priorities in advance of the election, which should be achieved by government working alongside business. These priorities are as follows:

Cross-cutting priorities

1. Improve environmental governance to ensure effective policy delivery.
2. Unlock the enormous social, economic and environmental potential of green jobs and skills.
3. Take a holistic approach to land use.

Thematic priorities

4. Ensure soils are treated as a valuable resource.
5. Deliver on our 30×30 commitment to reverse biodiversity decline.
6. Transform the UK agricultural and food system, to secure the UK’s access to sustainable sources of food.
7. Prioritise water resilience to deliver a ‘Fresh Water Future’.
8. Increase ambitions and holistic action for a country with cleaner air.
9. Deliver a truly circular economy.
10. Unlock investment in low carbon technologies to deliver net zero.

The need for a holistic approach to policymaking

The priorities we outline are interconnected, reflecting the urgent need for a joined-up approach to policymaking, involving effective communication and coordinated policy across government departments. Therefore, we also sent copies of this letter addressed to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretaries of State for Education; Transport; Housing, Communities and Local Government; and Health and Social Care.

You can view a copy of our letter via the link below.

More about EPF

The EPF is a coalition of professional bodies and learned societies representing over 110,000 qualified professionals across a variety of different disciplines. SocEnv is secretariat of the EPF and has coordinated the development of this letter, as well as being one of 11 organisations signing up in support.