Labour MP Fleur Anderson has been re-elected chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Environment, setting out three priorities for the year ahead: extreme weather resilience, the circular economy and reducing plastic pollution in the oceans.
Anderson, the MP for Putney, said:
“It’s an honour to be re-elected as Chair of the Environment APPG.”
She added:
“We have three priority areas: extreme weather mitigation and adaptation, circular economy and reducing plastic use and oceans.”
The APPG brings together MPs and peers from across parties to promote informed debate on climate, nature and resource use in Parliament. Its registered purpose is to raise ambition across three broad areas: the natural environment, climate and energy, and waste and resources.
Cross-party group chaired by Anderson
The latest parliamentary register confirms Anderson as Chair and Registered Contact of the Environment APPG, with Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse, Green MP Adrian Ramsay and Conservative MP Rebecca Smith serving as vice-chairs.
Anderson has used the role to press ministers on climate adaptation, marine protection and the transition to a circular economy.
In June, she told the Commons that extreme heat and flooding were becoming increasingly normal and said the APPG was conducting an inquiry into government preparedness for national emergencies.
Extreme weather and resilience
The first of the group’s stated priorities comes amid growing concern about the UK’s preparedness for heatwaves, flooding and other climate-related risks.
Anderson has argued that resilience should cover homes, workplaces, food production and infrastructure, and has questioned ministers directly about how government is preparing for more severe weather.
Circular economy also on agenda
The APPG will also continue focusing on waste reduction and the circular economy.
Earlier this year, Anderson pressed the Government on publication of its Circular Economy Growth Plan. Ministers said the plan would look at keeping resources in use for longer and reducing waste across sectors including plastics, food, construction, electronics, textiles and transport.
Oceans and plastic pollution
Marine protection will form another major strand of the group’s work.
Anderson has recently questioned witnesses in Parliament about marine protection, climate finance and the future of international ocean agreements.
The Government has also reiterated its commitment to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 and to pursue a new international agreement to tackle plastic pollution across its full life cycle.
‘Save our species’ event next
Anderson said the APPG’s next event will be a “Save our species” nature showcase for MPs and Lords, bringing parliamentarians together around biodiversity and species protection.
Her re-election means the Environment APPG will continue to use cross-party pressure to keep climate resilience, resource use and ocean protection high on Parliament’s agenda.
