Category Archives: Political Parties

GLOBE: an international platform helping legislators to get prepared for Rio + 20

At the Natural Capital Initiative Steering Group meeting this morning we received a very interesting talk about GLOBE International’s work. GLOBE International was founded in 1989 with the aim to tackle pressing environmental challenges through legislation by creating an international … Continue reading

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Selling England’s forests: A cut too far?

At present, England’s forests are managed by the Forestry Commission on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. Ministers however, are now proposing to reform ownership and management of the estate by selling off large … Continue reading

Posted in Conservation, Conservatives, Defra, Forestry Commission, Forests, Government, Science Policy | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

A Green Party voice in Westminster

The Green Party recently won its first set in Westminster when Caroline Lucas, Green Party MEP for the South East was elected with a majority of just over 1200 votes in the Brighton Pavilion constituency. Ms Lucas highlighted her party’s … Continue reading

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Case needs to be made for science now

An extremely interesting and insightful editorial in this week’s Nature (13 May, 465, p135): “An analysis by London’s The Times newspaper shows that some 71 canddidates with scientific backgrounds have been elected, down from 86 of the 650 members in … Continue reading

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New energy and environment ministers announced

David Cameron has now announced his new Cabinet, including the key environmental portfolios within the coalition government. Policies in this sector have caused significant disagreements between the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in the past, most notably on nuclear energy which … Continue reading

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Conservative – Liberal Democrat announce coalition agreements

Details of the agreements between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have been announced, outlining the coalition’s stance on several environmental topics. A document on the Liberal Democrat’s website outlines measures seeking to fulfill “joint ambitions for a low carbon and … Continue reading

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Political Parties Launch ‘Green’ Manifestos

The three major political parties have launched supplementary manifestos: A green future fair for all”>Labour and the Policies for the environment”>Liberal Democrats launched their ‘green’ manifestos on 25 April whilst the Modern Conservatism; our quality of life agenda”>Conservative Party launched … Continue reading

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The Conservative Party’s plans for Science Policy

Adam Afriyie MP, Conservative Shadow Minister for Science and Innovation, joined policy officers and others at The Royal Academy of Engineering this afternoon at an event organised by PolicyNet. Mr Afriyie discussed the Conservative Party’s plans for Science and Engineering … Continue reading

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The Environment in the Next Parliament

Last night saw the BES Policy Team attend the winter reception of the All Party Parliamentary Environment Group (APEG) at the Houses of Parliament. Delegates from NGOs and industry were joined by MPs and Prospective Parliamentary Candidates on the House … Continue reading

Posted in Climate Change, Parliament, Political Parties, Science Communication | 1 Comment

Valuing Natural Capital: Have your Say

The Natural Capital Initiative has published an article for comment on the ‘Future Countryside’ website. Future Countryside has been established by the Shadow Environment Secretary, Conservative MP Nick Herbert, to debate new ideas in environment policy. In the article members … Continue reading

Posted in Biodiversity, Conservatives, Ecosystem Services, Natural Capital Initiative | Leave a comment