Within the first three months of the new government ten different environmental policies have been watered down or scrapped, according to analysis by a group of leading UK environment organisations.

These range from support for renewable energy technology and tax exemptions for low carbon vehicles, which have existed for over a decade, to privatisation of the Green Investment Bank and the scrapping of the Green Deal. 

Protection for the natural environment has also been weakened with a u-turn on a ban on fracking in protected areas and the UK has cited an ‘emergency’ to exempt itself from an EU-wide ban on neonicotinoids, according to the group.

Environmental leaders are now calling on the Prime Minister to clarify the government’s approach to environmental protection and climate security as a matter of urgency. 

In a public letter to the Prime Minister, written in response to the findings, the heads of the UK’s leading environmental groups said:

“We welcomed the Conservative manifesto commitment to ‘being the first generation to leave the natural environment of England in a better state than that in which we found it’.

"Unfortunately, ten green policies which could have helped you to achieve these goals have been cancelled or weakened in the past three months. These policies were developed over many years, often with cross party backing, and with the support and involvement of many businesses and charities. Only one of these decisions, to end subsidies for onshore wind, was a commitment from your manifesto. We have, as yet, seen no positive new measures introduced to restore the health of our environment or grow the low carbon economy.”

Signatory groups include the Campaign for Better Transport, Campaign to Protect Rural England, Friends of the Earth, Green Alliance, Greenpeace, IEEP, RSPB, National Trust, Wildlife Trusts and the WWF.

Craig Bennett, chief executive, Friends of the Earth, said:

“This all out attack on green policies undermines UK efforts to tackle climate change ahead of global talks in Paris, and sets back our renewables industry when other countries are speeding towards clean energy and green jobs. Over-turning the science-led ban on toxic pesticides may be illegal as well as irresponsible at a time when bees need protection.”

Describing the changes to environmental commitments as short-sighted and short termist, David Nussbaum, chief executive, WWF UK, commented:

"As the world races ahead to develop new green technologies the government’s international standing is at risk unless the Prime Minister takes up the reins of his government and shows he is serious about establishing a long term framework for investment in renewables and positioning the UK as a leader in protecting the environment.  Thankfully – so early in this new parliament – he still has the opportunity to do so.”

Analysis of changed policies