Environment
Commons business tagged with this topic — 36 items.
Upcoming (11)
- Oral questionsThu, 4 Jun 2026— Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (including Topical Questions)
MPs will question the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary on departmental priorities and current issues affecting farming, food security, and environmental policy. Topical questions allow backbenchers to raise urgent, time-sensitive matters without prior notice, so the agenda will depend on what MPs choose to ask on the day—likely covering rural livelihoods, agricultural support post-Brexit, food prices, or environmental regulation.
- Oral questionsTue, 2 Jun 2026— Energy Security and Net Zero
Energy Security and Net Zero (including Topical Questions)
MPs will question the Energy Security and Net Zero department on current policy priorities and emerging issues. Topical questions allow backbenchers to raise urgent or newsworthy matters within the department's remit, covering areas such as renewable energy deployment, grid modernisation, energy bills, decarbonisation targets, and domestic energy efficiency. This session provides MPs with the chance to hold ministers accountable on delivery against net-zero commitments and energy security objectives.
- Private Members' BillsFri, 29 May 2026
New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill: Adjourned debate on Second Reading [17 January]
This Private Members' Bill debate, sponsored by Liberal Democrat Max Wilkinson, seeks to require solar generation capacity on new homes. The adjourned debate on second reading will determine whether the bill should progress, likely addressing the balance between building costs, energy independence, climate targets, and housebuilding rates.
- Private Members' BillsFri, 29 May 2026
Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling) (England) Bill: Second Reading
This Private Members' Bill would restrict bottom trawling—a fishing method that drags heavy nets across the seabed—in marine protected areas (MPAs) around England. The bill seeks to strengthen environmental protections in designated waters by banning a practice that damages seabed habitats, fish nurseries, and marine biodiversity. It will be debated at second reading, where MPs will decide whether the principle merits further scrutiny.
- Private Members' BillsFri, 29 May 2026
Battery Energy Storage Systems (Fire Safety) Bill: Second Reading
This private members' bill, sponsored by Liberal Democrat Anna Sabine, proposes new fire safety standards for battery energy storage systems. The bill addresses risks posed by large-scale batteries used in renewable energy projects and grid storage, which have caused several high-profile fires in recent years. Second reading will debate whether statutory fire safety rules should govern battery installations, covering siting, maintenance, monitoring, and emergency response protocols.
- Oral evidenceWed, 20 May 2026
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee: International climate policy
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee will take oral evidence on international climate policy. This scrutiny session examines how the UK engages with global climate negotiations, agreements, and commitments—exploring areas like the Paris Agreement, international carbon markets, and climate finance. The focus is understanding the UK's diplomatic strategy and obligations as it transitions to net zero while maintaining energy security.
- Oral evidenceWed, 20 May 2026
Environmental Audit Committee: Air Pollution in England
The Environmental Audit Committee will take oral evidence on air pollution across England. This inquiry examines the extent and causes of air quality problems, their effects on public health, and the effectiveness of current government policy and enforcement in tackling pollution. The hearing will establish the evidence base for the committee's subsequent report and recommendations.
- Oral evidenceTue, 19 May 2026
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee: Fairness in the food supply chain
A private meeting of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. The committee will discuss matters within its remit, which covers environmental policy, food systems, and rural affairs. As a private session, the specific agenda items are not publicly listed, but the committee typically scrutinises government policy on farming, land use, water, pesticides, animal welfare, and rural economic development.
- Oral evidenceTue, 19 May 2026
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee: International climate policy
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee will hear oral evidence on international climate policy. This session examines how UK climate commitments interact with global negotiations, other countries' net-zero strategies, and the diplomatic framework governing emissions reduction. The committee is gathering expert testimony to inform scrutiny of the government's approach to international climate agreements and their domestic implementation.
- DebateTue, 19 May 2026
Second Delegated Legislation Committee: The draft Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) Regulations 2026
Parliament will scrutinise draft regulations that implement international port state control standards for merchant shipping. These regulations set out how UK ports inspect foreign vessels to verify compliance with international maritime safety, pollution prevention, and labour standards. The debate will examine whether the draft rules effectively transpose international maritime conventions into UK law and strike the right balance between regulatory rigour and operational practicality for port authorities and shipping operators.
- Oral evidenceMon, 18 May 2026
Environmental Audit Committee: National security assessment and COP-17
The Environmental Audit Committee will hear oral evidence on how national security considerations affect the UK's climate commitments and preparations for COP-17 (the 17th UN climate conference). The inquiry examines the tension between meeting net-zero targets and securing defence and critical infrastructure resilience, particularly around clean energy supply chains, critical minerals, and military emissions.
Past (25)
- AdjournmentThu, 14 May 2026
Impact of a third runway at Heathrow Airport
This adjournment debate examines the impact of building a third runway at Heathrow Airport. The debate will cover implications for transport connectivity, local communities, environmental effects, and economic considerations, with Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney raising concerns about the project's consequences.
- Oral questionsThu, 7 May 2026— Environment, Food and Rural AffairsCancelled
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (including Topical Questions)
This is a scheduled question time session for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), where MPs can pose oral questions to government ministers on environmental policy, food standards, and rural affairs. The session includes topical questions allowing MPs to raise urgent, timely issues. This is a regular accountability mechanism for scrutinising the government's environmental and agricultural strategy.
- Westminster Hall debateWed, 29 Apr 2026
Water quality in Kent
This Westminster Hall debate examines water quality issues affecting Kent, raised by Tony Vaughan MP. The debate will explore current problems with water standards in the region and what action is needed to address them.
- AdjournmentWed, 29 Apr 2026
Impact of HS2 on communities
This adjournment debate, tabled by Conservative MP Joy Morrissey, examines the impact of the HS2 high-speed rail project on local communities. The debate will explore the effects of the rail infrastructure development on affected areas, including concerns about disruption, land acquisition, and community wellbeing during construction and operation of the network.
- Oral evidenceWed, 29 Apr 2026Cancelled
Environmental Audit Committee: Risks and opportunities to the sustainability of data centres in the UK
The Environmental Audit Committee is gathering oral evidence on the sustainability risks and opportunities presented by data centres in the UK. Data centres consume significant energy and resources, raising questions about their environmental impact and how they can be made more sustainable as digital demand grows.
- Oral evidenceTue, 28 Apr 2026
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee: Work of the Department and its arm’s-length bodies
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee will hold an oral evidence session examining the work and performance of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and its arm's-length bodies. This is a routine parliamentary accountability exercise where MPs scrutinise how the department is delivering its policy objectives across environmental protection, farming, food systems, and rural development.
- Westminster Hall debateMon, 27 Apr 2026
e-petition 736578 relating to animal testing
This Westminster Hall debate, sponsored by Labour MP Irene Campbell, will discuss e-petition 736578 on animal testing. The debate will examine public concerns about the use of animals in scientific and medical testing, exploring the balance between research needs and animal welfare protections.
- Oral evidenceMon, 27 Apr 2026
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee: Revisiting the nuclear roadmap
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee will take oral evidence on a revisiting of the UK's nuclear roadmap. This inquiry examines the government's strategic direction on nuclear power as part of meeting net-zero emissions targets and delivering energy security, likely assessing progress, timescales, funding, and policy changes since the previous roadmap was established.
- DebateMon, 27 Apr 2026
Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee: The draft Conservation of Habitats and Species (Offshore Wind) (Amendment etc.) Regulations 2026
This delegated legislation committee will debate draft regulations amending UK conservation law to streamline environmental protections for offshore wind farms. The regulations modify the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations to remove barriers and reduce regulatory burdens on offshore wind development while maintaining environmental safeguards.
- Select Committee StatementThu, 23 Apr 2026
Select Committee Statement on the Ninth Report of the Environmental Audit Committee, Addressing the risks from Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), HC 852
The Environmental Audit Committee is presenting its ninth report on the risks posed by PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as 'forever chemicals'. These substances persist indefinitely in the environment and human body, accumulating in water supplies, food, and wildlife. The statement will outline the committee's findings on the extent of PFAS contamination in the UK and recommendations for government action to mitigate these risks.
- Oral evidenceWed, 22 Apr 2026
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee: Revisiting the nuclear roadmap
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee will take oral evidence on international climate policy. This session examines how UK climate commitments align with global negotiations, international agreements, and cross-border climate action—critical as countries coordinate net-zero targets and climate finance ahead of upcoming international climate summits.
- Oral evidenceWed, 22 Apr 2026
Environmental Audit Committee: Air Pollution in England
The Environmental Audit Committee is conducting oral evidence sessions to investigate air pollution levels across England. This inquiry examines the causes, health impacts, and policy responses to air quality problems affecting English communities.
- Westminster Hall debateWed, 22 Apr 2026
Government support for mountain rescue
A Westminster Hall debate on government support for mountain rescue services. Lisa Smart (Liberal Democrat) is raising questions about how the government funds and supports the volunteers and infrastructure that perform mountain rescue operations across the UK's mountainous regions.
- Westminster Hall debateTue, 21 Apr 2026
Windfarm development on protected peatland
A Westminster Hall debate on windfarm development proposals on protected peatland, sponsored by Conservative MP Robbie Moore. The debate examines the tension between renewable energy expansion and environmental protection, specifically concerning whether windfarm projects should be permitted on ecologically sensitive peatland sites.
- AdjournmentTue, 21 Apr 2026
Preservation of the SS Richard Montgomery masts
An adjournment debate on the preservation of the SS Richard Montgomery masts, a World War II shipwreck off the coast of Sittingbourne and Sheppey. The debate will examine the current state of this historic wreck and what measures should be taken to protect and maintain it as a maritime heritage site.
- Ten Minute Rule MotionTue, 21 Apr 2026
Road surfaces (maximum noise levels)
Melanie Onn is tabling a Ten Minute Rule Motion to propose maximum noise level standards for road surfaces. This motion seeks to establish regulations that would reduce traffic noise pollution caused by different types of road surfacing materials, addressing a public health and environmental quality concern.
- DebateTue, 21 Apr 2026
Third Delegated Legislation Committee: The draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026
This committee is examining draft regulations that amend UK chemicals health and safety rules, likely implementing post-Brexit changes or updating standards following EU exit. The regulations include transitional provisions to help businesses adapt to new requirements.
- Oral evidenceTue, 21 Apr 2026
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee: Fairness in the food supply chain
A private meeting of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee scheduled for April 2026. As a select committee meeting, this will likely involve scrutiny of government policy, departmental performance, or specific issues affecting the environment, farming, and rural sectors. The agenda and specific discussion topics are not publicly detailed in this notice.
- Oral evidenceWed, 15 Apr 2026
Scottish Affairs Committee: GB Energy and the net zero transition
The Scottish Affairs Committee will take oral evidence on GB Energy and Scotland's net zero transition. This hearing will examine how the GB Energy company—a key government initiative to accelerate clean energy deployment—operates in Scotland and its role in delivering net zero targets, likely covering investment, infrastructure, and regional coordination between UK and Scottish governments.
- Oral evidenceWed, 15 Apr 2026
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee: Revisiting the nuclear roadmap
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee is conducting oral evidence sessions to review and reassess the UK's nuclear energy roadmap. This scrutiny examines the government's nuclear strategy, including planned new builds, timelines, and investment, as the Committee evaluates whether current policies remain fit for purpose in meeting both energy security and net-zero carbon targets.
- Oral evidenceTue, 14 Apr 2026
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee: Reforming the water sector
A private meeting of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee scheduled for April 2026. This is an internal committee session, likely for planning, evidence review, or discussion of upcoming inquiries into environmental policy, agricultural issues, or rural affairs without public proceedings.
- Westminster Hall debateTue, 14 Apr 2026
Alternatives to ground mounted solar panels
This Westminster Hall debate, sponsored by Conservative MP Lincoln Jopp, examines alternatives to ground-mounted solar panels for generating renewable energy. The discussion will explore other solar deployment methods—such as rooftop installations, floating solar, and building-integrated photovoltaics—to address concerns about land use, agricultural impact, and public acceptance of large-scale solar farms.
- Select Committee StatementThu, 26 Mar 2026
Sixth report of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Erosion of trust: the impact of coastal erosion on communities, HC 1317
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is presenting its sixth report examining coastal erosion and its impact on affected communities. The report, titled 'Erosion of trust', investigates how coastal erosion affects residents, local economies, and public confidence in government support, with particular focus on the pressures facing coastal regions and the adequacy of current protective measures and community support.
- Westminster Hall debateWed, 25 Mar 2026
Waste crime in Knowsley
Anneliese Midgley MP is raising concerns about waste crime in her Knowsley constituency in a Westminster Hall debate. This debate will examine the scale and impact of illegal waste activity in the area, likely covering fly-tipping, unauthorised waste disposal, and enforcement challenges, and will press the government on solutions.
- Oral evidenceWed, 25 Mar 2026
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee: Energy resilience
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee is holding an oral evidence session on energy resilience. This inquiry examines the UK's capacity to maintain reliable energy supplies while transitioning to net zero, including grid stability, fuel security, and infrastructure readiness during the clean energy transition.