Environment

Xylella fastidiosa is a bacteria that can cause severe disease and death in certain plants. This article explains what the disease is and discusses recent restrictions on plant imports that the UK Government has imposed to reduce the risk of it being introduced to the UK. Xylella is due to be the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 8 July 2020.

This article discusses the recent measures taken by the Government to tackle packaging waste. This includes producing guidance for packaging producers to adhere to and consulting on a tax on plastic packaging. In addition this article examines the impact that the recent Coronavirus pandemic has had on packaging waste, amid reports of councils suspending recycling collections and temporarily closing household waste and recycling centres.

A summary of proposals for policies to reshape the economy following the coronavirus pandemic. This includes recommendations for how the economy could be "fairer" and "cleaner".

Farm businesses receive direct payments based on the amount of agricultural land that they maintain. Farmers receive payments if they meet certain requirements, including crop diversification requirements. This articles discusses what direct payments are, in addition to the Government’s statutory instrument that would set aside the requirements to qualify for direct payments for 2020.

The House of Lords stages of the Agriculture Bill began on 18 May 2020 with first reading.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered the first budget since the 2019 election on 11 March 2020. It contained a series of measures to counteract threats from the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Chancellor also announced changes to taxation policy and an increase in public spending.

Is it possible to grow the economy and protect the environment?

This House of Lords Library briefing provides information on the Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill [HL] in advance of its second reading, due to take place in the House of Lords on 13 March 2020.

This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the second reading of the Fisheries Bill [HL], scheduled to take place on 11 February 2020.

This House of Lords Library briefing provides information ahead of the House of Lords debate on the threats posed by pests and diseases to native trees in the United Kingdom.

This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the debate on 6 February 2020 on technological and lifestyle efforts to address climate change, and to meet the 2050 net zero carbon emissions target.