Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : The Yemeni people deserve nothing less than recovery and sustainable peace – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 February 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

Thank you, President, and let me start by thanking Special Envoy Grundberg and Director Worsornu for their timely briefings.

We are very grateful to the Special Envoy for his timely visit to Yemen, including Aden and other cities, and also to other areas in the region. And we are cautiously encouraged to hear the support of parties for peace and very much welcome the flexibility set out in your approach.

We therefore encourage the Council to continue to provide unwavering support to the UN Special Envoy during this process. We should work together to safeguard the gains that have been made, and support further progress. And we emphasise the importance of the Yemeni parties continuing to engage constructively with the UN.

As Hans said, the Yemeni people deserve nothing less than recovery and sustainable peace in Yemen. There is no military solution to this conflict.

As Director Wosornu set out, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating, and the needs for this year remain high, with 18.2 million people in need of assistance, and with women and girls especially vulnerable. Yemen continues to be one of the most food insecure countries in the world.

As we heard, the UN Humanitarian Response Plan for 2024 is a stark reminder of the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. The plan aims to reach 11.2 million Yemenis most in need.

The UK has committed over $110 million in humanitarian aid during this financial year and we echo Director Wosornu’s call to the international community to consider providing further funding towards the humanitarian response plan for Yemen.

President, despite repeated calls to de-escalate, the Houthis have continued illegal and destabilising attacks in the Red Sea, disrupting maritime shipping and freedom of navigation in the region, and risking further regional escalation.

The disruption to shipping in the Red Sea caused by Houthi attacks are, as we heard from Director Worsornu, driving up the costs of global shipping, including the costs of food supplies and humanitarian aid in the region. And these illegal and unjustified attacks risk exacerbating the humanitarian suffering in Yemen.

And that is why we have taken necessary, proportionate, and legal action in self-defence, alongside the United States with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands and New Zealand against targets tied to the Houthis attacks.

In closing, President, let me underscore our commitment to the peace process in Yemen, and to the Special Envoy’s personal efforts to bring sustainable peace to the people of Yemen.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens collaboration on energy security and fusion [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 14 February 2024.

The Energy Security Secretary, Claire Coutinho, met with European allies this week to discuss plans to transition away from Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), following the UK’s lead.

At a ministerial meeting of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris, the Secretary of State also signed a landmark new fusion partnership with Canada, bringing the UK a step closer to developing a near limitless source of clean energy.

The Memorandum of Understanding with Canada on fusion energy will seek to improve collaboration on research and development, harmonise the approach to regulation, and develop the workforce and skills base. This will strengthen cooperation between the UK and Canada to support the deployment of fusion worldwide. It will also support the UK’s £650 million fusion programme, cementing the UK as a world leader in this innovative technology.

The energy generated from fusion is many million times more efficient than burning coal, oil or gas and could generate a near unlimited supply of clean electricity – transforming global efforts to reach net zero and delivering long-term energy independence.

This is the UK’s second formal international fusion collaboration following the announcement of a partnership with the USA in November 2023.

The Energy Security Secretary also met with allies to discuss energy security and how to build on the progress made to date to target Russia’s energy sector, with the UK having led the way in banning all imports of Russian oil and gas after Putin’s illegal invasion.

It follows the UK recently announcing a £300 million investment to become the first country in Europe outside of Russia to launch a high-tech HALEU nuclear fuel programme, driving Putin further out of global energy markets.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

A more diverse and secure energy mix will bring down bills in the long term and that’s why we are working closely with our European allies to end dependency on Russian gas.

The UK is also leading the world in fusion research, which could provide a near limitless supply of clean energy. This landmark partnership with Canada will strengthen co-operation between our countries and support our record-breaking British research – bringing us closer to making fusion a reality.

The UK has provided £150 million for Ukraine’s energy sector since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion and is a key partner in supporting Ukraine to rebuild and transition.

The UK also announced £12 million at COP28 for the IEA’s Clean Energy Transition Programme to support developing countries to accelerate their green transitions – the biggest ever voluntary contribution.

The event in Paris was the first international meeting of energy ministers since COP28 and marks the 50th anniversary of the IEA.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : The UK will continue supporting Ukraine as long as Russia persists with its imperial conquest: UK statement to the OSCE [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 February 2024.

UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says that Russia abandons the position of a responsible global power by breaking sanctions it previously supported, turning to Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for military support.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Towards the end of last year, I referenced the Russian Delegation’s statement on the eve of war. ‘The idea of there being plans for a “Russian invasion” of Ukraine was hatched inside the US Department of State’. Within 24 hours, Russia had illegally invaded its neighbour, Ukraine. In this moment, Russia demonstrated its willingness to misinform the members of this Forum, and to violate the Organisation’s aims of ‘creating greater openness, transparency and co-operation’.

In the intervening two years, we have listened repeatedly to a litany of further misinformation as Russia has sought to justify its violation of the prohibition on the use of force at Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Ukrainian civilians.

For Russia, the consequence of its unprovoked war of aggression is a diminishment in international standing. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, not one other member of this Forum has spoken in support of Russia’s actions – while Russia’s influence and gravitas has eroded across multinational fora.

Russia abandons the position of a responsible global power by opting to break sanctions that it itself ascribed to, turning to Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for military support. Russia now abuses the consensus principle, or simply issues threats of manipulation such as we heard when it stated it would, ‘train the current Chair and future Chairs until we have appropriate outcomes, so get ready for next week’.

Mr Chair, as Russia continues in this egregious behaviour, the United Kingdom will continue to stand firm in support of Ukraine as it defends its people, its territory and the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. As Putin’s three-day war closes in on the two-year point, Ukraine continues to inflict significant damage on Russia in a conflict of Russia’s own making.

The shooting down of an SU-34 FULLBACK combat aircraft over East Luhansk on 30 January brings the number of Russian fixed wing combat aircraft losses to over 80. And, on 1 February, the loss of a Russian missile corvette, the TARANTUL-III Class IVANOVETS, provided further evidence of the continued vulnerability of Russian warships operating in the Black Sea.

The United Kingdom will continue supporting Ukraine for as long as Russia insists on persisting with this imperial conquest. Through the UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation, the Maritime Capability Coalition or a host of other initiatives, which now amount to almost £12Bn in support for Ukraine, the United Kingdom and our allies will remain resolute.

Russia must acknowledge the impact of its egregious actions and take the necessary steps to end its war of choice by withdrawing all its troop from Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders and working towards a sustainable and just peace. Thank you.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister Meeting with 2024 Business Council [February 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 14 February 2024.

The Prime Minister began by welcoming new members of the 2024 Business Council and said he was determined to continue his work to make the UK the best place to start, grow, and invest in businesses.

He explained how – in the face of geopolitical headwinds – the economy has turned a corner and is moving in the right direction. He noted that inflation has more than halved from 11.1% to 4%, mortgage rates are coming down, and the economy is forecast to grow.

The new Council, with members including FTSE and SME companies from across the UK, discussed the impact of the current macroeconomic climate on business operations. Members noted the impact of global factors on business – such as the war in Ukraine and recent attacks in the Red Sea – but pointed to positive indicators, such as customers feeling the benefit of tax cuts on their expendable income, and optimism about longer term growth.

The discussion went on to explore how the UK Government can best support growth and innovation across the economy, discussing the success of full expensing – which is the biggest business tax cut in modern British history. Members were positive about the UK’s strong consumer confidence, which is at a 2-year high. The Council discussed how cuts to National Insurance will boost spending power, which is likely to improve confidence further.

The Prime Minister closed the meeting by thanking attendees for their time and encouraged them to feed in their views and ideas so the Government can continue supporting businesses to invest and grow, boosting the economy and delivering opportunities across the UK for British people.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Package of interventions in the London housing market [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 14 February 2024.

£50m of new investment over the next two years to unlock new homes and improve the quality of life for existing residents through estate regeneration in London.

As part of major package to deliver much needed homes in cities across the UK, the Government has announced a £50 million investment to regenerate London estates, £4m to explore maximum ambition housing delivery around Euston, and £125m to unlock three major brownfield sites in East and South London.

The new investment will be made available to existing estate regeneration schemes that carry the support of local communities. This funding is on top of the £1 billion allocated in the capital through the Government’s Affordable Homes Programme which can now, be used to support the regeneration of old social housing estates so that residents have homes that are safe, decent, warm and secure.

Secretary of State for Housing Michael Gove said:

“Today we set out a major package of measures to make sure we have the homes that this country needs. London is at the heart of this approach.

“The investment we are making to deliver new homes through estate regeneration, support the massive potential of strategic sites like Euston, and deliver major brownfield sites in partnership with private housebuilders, will keep the dream of home ownership alive for Londoners.”

In addition to the new multi-million-pound investment in London’s existing estates, and investment into three major brownfield sites, the Government is working closely with the London Borough of Camden and has committed an initial £4 million to establish a Euston Housing Delivery Group.

The Euston Housing Delivery Group will explore maximum ambition housing regeneration in a new ‘Euston Quarter’, including working to:
- Assess the scale of housing opportunity beyond the existing Euston station site.
- Identify the infrastructure, services, and green space required to unlock maximum housing delivery.
- Consider how these housing opportunities can be delivered across Euston, working closely with the Department for Transport, the Euston Partnership and the London Borough of Camden.
Andrea Ruckstuhl CEO Europe, Lendlease said:

“A Euston Housing Delivery Group is a very positive step forwards as there is clearly enormous potential for the delivery of new homes there and the regeneration of an area that we believe can become one of Europe’s leading centres for innovation and life sciences.

“We look forward to continued close working with DLUHC, the London Borough of Camden, the Department for Transport, and local partners and communities to help those aspirations become reality.”

We are also announcing £125 million loan funding supporting 8,000 homes in Newham and Southwark through a major regeneration investment.

Communities in the London boroughs of Newham and Southwark are to benefit from thousands of new homes across three major brownfield regeneration projects.

Reflecting the strong need in London for affordable homes, 40 per cent of the new homes on two of the sites, which have planning permission, are to be genuinely affordable for local people. The first homes should be ready in 2027 alongside retail and leisure facilities.

Significant new infrastructure will be built including utilities, green landscaping, on-site highways, bridges and other transport links.

In a further boost to housebuilding in the capital, the government intends to legislate when parliamentary time allows to remove the block on Homes England’s ability to deliver in London.

All of these measures support the Government’s long-term plan for housing and its commitment to a Brownfield-first approach.
February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government exploring toughening crossbow rules [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 14 February 2024.

A call for evidence has been launched to ask whether current crossbow laws need to be strengthened, as the government continues action to prevent violence.

Under current legislation, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to purchase or possess a crossbow, and anyone who carries a crossbow in public without reasonable excuse faces up to four years behind bars.

The government is considering going further, launching a call for evidence to ask whether these rules are tough enough. Strengthened rules could include a licensing scheme to protect public safety police checks for anyone looking to purchase a crossbow.

This would mean that crossbows are policed under regulations similar to that of firearms.

Safeguarding Minister, Laura Farris said:

Crossbows are used rarely in violent crime in this country but they can be highly dangerous.

We’re doing all we can to ensure we have the appropriate measures in place against any risks these potentially dangerous weapons may pose.

I encourage the public and those in the industry to come forward to share their views so we can have the most accurate picture and take any necessary action to keep our streets safe.

Whilst crossbow incidents are rare – there were fewer than 10 homicides by crossbow between 2011 and 2021 – it is clear that when used as a weapon, crossbows do pose a risk and the government is determined to ensure any needed safeguards are in place to keep the public safe.

Today’s announcement comes after former Home Secretary, Priti Patel MP, commissioned a review on controls following the incident at Windsor Castle on Christmas Day in 2021 where a 19-year-old man was arrested on the grounds of the castle allegedly carrying the weapon. Following his arrest, Jaswant Singh Chail was sentenced to nine years in prison with a further five years on extended licence.

The call for evidence builds on the government’s work to prevent serious violence and stop weapons ending up in the hands of criminals, and follows last month’s announcement that zombie-style knives and machetes will be banned.

Through the Criminal Justice Bill, the government will give the police more powers to seize knives and increases prison sentences for anyone selling knives to anyone under 18 or possessing a banned weapon.

Today’s call for evidence will last 8 weeks to allow time to gather information which will then be considered by the Home Office as it assesses the need for further tightening of controls on weapons.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Two board members reappointed to The National Archives [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 14 February 2024.

The Secretary of State has reappointed Sonia Cargan and Rommel Pereira as Board Members of The National Archives.

Rommel Pereira

Appointed for a four year term, commencing on 01 May 2024.

Rommel Pereira is a Chartered Accountant and has been reappointed as a Non-Executive Board Member of The National Archives from 30th April 2024. He has previously held Board Director and executive leadership roles at the Bank of England, Financial Services Compensation Scheme, Metropolitan Housing Trust, JP Morgan Chase, Midland Bank and Reuters.

His non-executive directorships have included the public and not-for-profit sectors. He is currently on the Boards of Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Supply Chain Coordination Limited where he also chairs their Audit and Risk committees.

Sonia Cargan

Appointed for a four year term which commenced on 19 January 2024.

Sonia is currently the Chief Talent Officer at American Express, where she is responsible for creating the Global Talent Management, Leadership Development, Learning, Performance Management, Career Growth, and Internal Talent Mobility strategies and supporting initiatives for the company. She is also a member of the company’s Environmental Social and Governance Committee.

Prior to this position, Sonia spent 26 years serving in various leadership roles at American Express, including Vice President of HR in the UK and in Singapore, Senior HR Business Partner in New York City and, most recently the Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer. She was also a member of the Pension Trustee Board and is a board member of British American Business

Sonia holds a BA Honours in Social Administration from the University of Brighton and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. She was named one of Black Enterprise’s Most Powerful Women in Corporate Diversity 2019, features on the Cranfield ’50 Women to Watch 2019′ list, and has commented in a range of media on women in senior positions and diversity and inclusion.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Tougher sentences for ‘rough sex’ killers [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 14 February 2024.

Cowards who kill their partners with sexual violence will face longer behind bars as the government continues to clamp down on domestic abuse against women.
- domestic abusers who kill through sexual violence to be locked up for longer
- leading criminal justice academic appointed as Rape Review advisor
- new Victims’ Code campaign to ensure victims know their rights
A new statutory aggravating factor will be brought in for offenders who cause death through abusive, degrading or dangerous sexual behaviour – or so-called ‘rough sex’ – meaning killers are handed down tougher sentences than ever before.

The measure, announced today (14 February 2024), builds upon action taken in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to clarify in law that there is no such thing as the ‘rough sex defence’, and comes as the government publishes its latest Rape Review progress report.

These figures reveal that more vile rapists are paying for their crimes as adult rape prosecutions are approaching the highest levels seen at any point since 2014 showing the government’s efforts are working.

To ensure these efforts don’t let up, the government has also appointed leading academic Professor Katrin Hohl as the new Independent Advisor to the Rape Review.

Having led a ground-breaking scheme to overhaul the way in which police forces investigate rape – Operation Soteria – Professor Hohl also carried out one of the largest ever surveys of victims to better understand how they can be supported.

To ensure all victims know the support available to them, the government has also launched a Victims’ Code campaign, to raise awareness of the rights everyone can expect to receive as a victim of crime.

Through the Victims and Prisoners Bill, police, prosecutors and prison and probation workers will also have a new Code Awareness Duty to make sure victims know their rights – including the right to be referred to a support service, receive updates on their case and the right to make a victim personal statement.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk KC, said:

This government is on the side of victims, who should be supported throughout their journey through the criminal justice system, and our new Victims’ Code campaign sets out exactly what they can expect every step of the way.

But we must also hold offenders to account. This new aggravating factor send a clear message that killers who threaten the safety of women can expect to feel the full force of the law.

The campaign was developed hand-in-hand with criminal justice agencies and victim support organisations, and materials demonstrating that the Victims’ Code is there for every victim, whatever the crime, are being cascaded across England and Wales.

This builds on work to make sure victims get the justice they deserve, and offenders pay for their crimes, including making rapists and serious sexual offenders serve their full custodial term in prison and to widening the use of whole life orders for the worst offenders.

Minister for Victims and Safeguarding Laura Farris said:

As today’s report shows we have made significant improvements in the response to rape across the criminal justice system with adult rape prosecutions approaching the highest levels seen in the last decade and number of adult rape cases arriving at the Crown Court is higher than at any point since 2014.

While there is still much work do, Professor Hohl’s expertise will be vital in driving this further.

Independent Advisor to the Rape Review Professor Katrin Hohl said:

Rape is the most serious survivable crime in English and Welsh law. The purpose of the rape review is to reform the criminal justice process so it is fit for purpose for rape victims and effective in holding perpetrators to account. As the Independent Advisor, I will challenge and support the government in achieving this ambition.

I commend the progress made to date. My priority is to help tackle the remaining challenges, such as timeliness, strengthening victims’ rights and meeting victims’ needs, head-on.

Fiona Mackenzie, Founder of We Can’t Consent to This campaign added:

This is an important step in ensuring that men who kill women in sexually motivated violence do not get away with a lighter sentence. This change should ensure that any future perpetrators of violence of this sort are properly punished, and send a clear message that this violence against women is unacceptable in our society.

Further to this, pioneering CPS areas, police forces, and leading academics developed new National Operating Models for the investigation of rape and serious sexual offences through Operation Soteria. This sees police and prosecutors working more closely together to build stronger cases.

All police forces and prosecutors in England and Wales are now 6 months into implementation, with the number of cases assigned a charge in the latest quarter being over 25 per cent higher than the same period in the previous year.

This support is crucial, especially for victims of rape – with around 60 per cent of investigations closing because the victim did not support -or withdrew support from- police action.

The government is also continuing to bolster support services, quadrupling victims funding by 2024/25, up from £41 million in 2009/10, and using ringfenced funding to increase the number of Independent Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Advisors by 300 to over 1,000 – a 43% increase by 2024/5.

Notes to editors
- The latest quarterly statistics (July-September 2023) show:
  - There were 1,470 referrals from the police to the CPS – 92% higher than the ambition of 766.
  - There were 668 charges by the CPS – 24% higher than the ambition of 538.
  - There were 665 cases arriving at Crown Court –20% higher than the ambition of 553.
- More broadly, the government also continues to support victims through:
  - Legislating to ensure rapists, and those convicted of the most serious sexual offences, remain in prison for the whole of their custodial term and that they are subject to proper supervision in the community on their release.
  - Offering 24/7 support line for victims of rape and sexual violence, ensuring victims of these abhorrent crimes always have someone on hand to support them.
  - Quadrupling victims funding by 2024/25, up from £41 million in 2009/10, including funding to increase the number of Independent Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Advisors by 300 to over 1,000 – a 43% increase by 2024/5.
  - And we are strengthening support for victims through the Victims and Prisoners Bill, including ensuring that police requests for third party materials are necessary and proportionate to an investigation.
- The Ministry of Justice’s Victims’ Code campaign launched today to raise awareness of the Victims’ Code and ensure that victims of crime are aware of their rights, and the support available, as they move through the criminal justice system. The campaign wants to promote that the Victims’ Code is there for every victim, whatever the crime.
  - The campaign directs victims to understand their rights at victimscode.org.uk.
  - This is part of the newly refreshed Victim and Witness Information website (victimandwitnessinformation.org.uk) which provides support, advice and guidance to help victims and witnesses in England and Wales understand their rights, the criminal justice process, and how to access support. This website is a single place for victims to get comprehensive, reliable information in an accessible way. This website is a single place for victims to get comprehensive, reliable information in an accessible way.
February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : The Third Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries is an opportunity for action – UK statement at the UN [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 February 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Tom Woodroffe at the first session of the Preparatory Committee of the Third Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries.

Thank you, Chair, Excellencies, Colleagues,

The Third Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries is an opportunity for action – innovative solutions, meaningful partnership and increased investment.

The UK very much welcomes the focus on partnerships, which is also at the heart of the UK’s Development White Paper launched by the PM at the end of last year.

We are keen to learn how to make the most of our partnerships to deliver for LLDCs, like our British Investment Partnerships that continues to increase investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and just energy transition in many of those countries.

And the UK ’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which came into force last year and is already cutting tariffs, removing conditions and simplifying trading rules for over 65 developing countries including LDCs and LLDCs.

So we very much look forward to working together to build on the Vienna Programme for Action, and agree a development partnership framework that delivers real commitments and real progress for the LLDCs. The zero draft is a comprehensive start, and I’d like to thank the LLDC Group for their time in drafting it. The UK looks forward to constructively engaging in the negotiations on the text and participating in the Conference in June.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New housing developments to deliver nature boost in landmark move [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 13 February 2024.

In a world first, developers in England are now required to deliver 10% Biodiversity Net Gain when building new housing, industrial or commercial developments.

From today (Monday 12 February), all major housing developments are required to deliver at least a 10% benefit for nature with England becoming the first country in the world to make Biodiversity Net Gain a legal requirement.

Biodiversity Net Gain, introduced through the world-leading Environment Act, will help deliver the government’s commitment to halt species decline by 2030. It means developers in England are now legally required to deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity when major building projects are undertaken. Many housing developers are already successfully operating Biodiversity Net Gain and recognising the benefits for people and nature. But from today, it will be mandatory.

To help Local Planning Authorities integrate Biodiversity Net Gain at a local level, £10.6 million of funding is being committed to help local authorities recruit and expand ecologist teams, investing in green jobs and increasing capacity to create new wildlife-rich habitats alongside developments.

Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, said:

“Biodiversity Net Gain will help us deliver the beautiful homes the country needs, support wildlife and create great places for people to live.

“This government is going further and faster for nature, since 2010 we have restored an area for nature larger than the size of Dorset, banned micro plastics and set ambitious targets to halt biodiversity decline.

“This vital tool builds on our work to reverse the decline in nature and for everyone to live within a 15-minute walk of a green space or water and will transform how development and nature can work together to benefit communities.”

Natural England Chair, Tony Juniper, said:

“If we are to halt and reverse the decline of wildlife in line with our ambitious national targets then it will be vital to ensure that new habitats are created to compensate those being lost to developments.

“Biodiversity Net Gain is a key moment on our path to halting the decline of nature, enabling developers to make a positive contribution through creating new habitats, increasing access to green spaces, and building healthy and resilient places for people to live and work.

“Many developers are already using Biodiversity Net Gain in new developments and recognising the benefits for people and nature.”

Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:

“I am delighted that Biodiversity Net Gain will restore vital habitats, accelerate species recovery, and connect people with nature in their daily lives.

“Through our unique role as an operator, developer, and advisor, we have a strong track record of designing and managing solutions that have brought multiple benefits to people and wildlife, including ways to make space for water and to slow its flow.

“Our expertise in the water environment has enabled us to participate fully in the development and implementation of BNG.”

David Mooney, CEO of London Wildlife Trust, said:

“We need to take this opportunity and make sure Biodiversity Net Gain can help towards nature’s recovery. Central government, local authorities, developers, and nature charities like The Wildlife Trusts must work together to bring nature to our doorsteps and wildlife to our windows.”

Developers like Berkeley Group have been carrying out developments using Biodiversity Net Gain for several years.

Rob Perrins, Chief Executive of Berkeley Group, said:

“Biodiversity Net Gain is a positive step for the homebuilding industry and will bring nature back to our towns and cities. Putting this into practice on over 50 sites has been a hugely positive experience for Berkeley Group and these greener, wilder landscapes have huge benefits for the communities around them.

“The challenge now is to make sure that developers and planning authorities take a positive and collaborative approach to delivering Biodiversity Net Gain across the country. This is a big change for everyone involved and we need to work together to unlock the full benefits for people, planet, and prosperity.”

Biodiversity Net Gain requires development to avoid harm to nature, but where that is unavoidable, developers must create new habitats or enhance existing ones either within the site itself or by investing in nature sites elsewhere. Biodiversity Net Gain means there will be more nature after a development than before. Where this is not possible, developers can purchase off-site biodiversity units from landowners via a private market.

Local authorities have a range of tools to help them enforce Biodiversity Net Gain, while the Environment Act 2021 includes mechanisms to ensure that commitments through conservation covenants are adhered to. Off-site projects will be tracked and monitored through a digital register maintained by Natural England.

Biodiversity Net Gain for small sites will still be applicable from April 2024, and implementation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects remains planned for 2025. Biodiversity Net Gain will prioritise on-site nature development to deliver the maximum benefits for people and nature.

England is the only country in the world with mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain, further cementing our position as world leader on the environment. The UK was also the first country in the world to have legally binding targets to halt the decline of nature. Since the launch of the Environmental Improvement Plan in January 2023, the government has delivered on over 50 commitments to protect and restore our natural environment including a ban on single-use plastics, planting nearly 5 million trees, introducing the Species Survival Fund, and improving public access to nature with 245 additional miles opened along the King Charles III England Coast Path.

How Biodiversity Net Gain works
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) will apply to new planning applications, rather than existing applications.
- BNG is measured in biodiversity units calculated through the statutory metric tool. This calculates how many units a habitat contains before development, to then calculate how many biodiversity units are needed to provide at least 10% BNG.
- The statutory biodiversity metric considers the size, quality, location, and type of habitat.
- BNG can be achieved through on-site units, off-site units, or through statutory biodiversity credits. These credits will be available as a last resort from the government, to prevent delays in the planning system.
- It is also important that BNG provides lasting benefits for the environment. That is why we have set out how the improved significant on-site and off-site habitats will be managed for the long term. Significant on-site and all off-site gains will need a legal agreement with a responsible body or local authority to monitor the habitat improvements over the 30-year period.
- As BNG is implemented on 12 February it will apply to applications for major developments only and will be implemented for small sites (between 1 and 9 dwellings) from 2 April 2024. Roll-out of BNG for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects is expected in late 2025.
- Natural England has also created a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan template to support management.
On-site and off-site BNG
- Through the new biodiversity gain hierarchy on-site BNG is prioritised, which involves developers creating new habitats or enhancing existing habitats on the development site.
- If this is not possible, developers can buy off-site biodiversity units from landowners via a private market. Landowners may include private organizations, farmers, local authorities and NGOs.
- After both on-site and off-site BNG have been considered, as a last resort, developers will be able to purchase statutory biodiversity credits from the government, which will be reinvested in habitat projects across the nation. This will help to ensure that delays in the planning system can be avoided.
The delivery of BNG within the red line boundary must be considered first before looking off-site.

Case study
- The Green Quarter is a case study of ambitious regeneration in Ealing.
February 25, 2024