UK Government makes changes to Bill dubbed ‘a licence to destroy nature’

The UK Government has announced a package of amendments that could improve safeguards for nature within the proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill.  

The Bill was introduced by the UK Government in March, in line with its ambitions to speed up the delivery of new infrastructure, renewable energy, and the building of 1.5 million new houses by 2029. However, despite the UK Government saying it wants a planning system that also revives our natural world, the original legislation threatened to weaken nature protections in England.  

Dubbed a ‘licence to destroy nature,’ the original Bill put some of our most vulnerable species and habitats at risk. We, together with other experts and NGOs, have raised our concerns, with many thousands of RSPB members and supporters adding their voices to our campaign.  

Last week, RSPB supporters and others joined forces in a mass lobby to speak directly with their MPs and call for action on nature. And thousands more joined our campaign, getting in touch online with their MPs to voice their concerns about the Planning Bill.  

This announcement, made on 17 July, marks a significant moment, and we’re pleased to see the that the UK Government is listening to people’s concerns.   

RSPB Chief Executive Beccy Speight said:  

“We’re pleased to see the UK Government has listened to concerns raised by nature-lovers across England and has tabled a package of amendments to improve safeguards for nature within the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.  

“These amendments, and the Bill as a whole, are complex changes to established environmental law and so we will take the time to digest them fully ahead of further debate expected this autumn. We commend government for the intent behind the amendments and the recognition of nature's value. As the Bill continues through Parliament, we will continue to ensure it contains robust nature protections and measures for nature’s recovery.” 

These amendments are a welcome step in the right direction. As the Bill progresses we will continue to ensure that our precious wildlife and habitats are protected and that action is taken to help them thrive. With one in six species at risk of extinction in Great Britain, there can be no let-up in the work to safeguard and restore our wildlife.  

There is still a long way to go before the Planning and Infrastructure Bill becomes law. The Bill is now going through the House of Lords, giving Peers the chance to debate the wording of the Bill and propose their own amendments. This process will continue in the autumn following Parliament's summer recess. 

Once the Lords are satisfied, the Bill will go back to the House of Commons where MPs will get to vote on any amends. Only once the Lords and MPs agree on the final wording will the Bill gain Royal Assent and become law. 

Over the coming months, we will remain focused on making sure the final Bill delivers for nature. We are determined to make sure that the necessary protections for our precious habitats and wildlife remain, and that the Bill delivers significant benefits for the recovery of nature at scale, alongside sustainable development. 

We believe it is possible to adopt a strategic, nature-friendly approach to planning that delivers our housing and clean energy needs and meets the urgent challenge of restoring our natural world. Thank you to everyone who has stood with us for nature. Together, we can secure a world where wildlife, wild places and all people thrive.  

Why the Planning and Infrastructure Bill risked sending nature in freefall