Richard Benwell @RSBenwell Twitter profile

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

Legislation will be published today with powers to amend/scrap 100s of environment laws. DEFRA has more EU retained laws than any other Dept, covering #wildlife , water, air & chemicals. Scrapping them would be legislative vandalism. Rewriting them would pose unacceptable delay.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

1 year

Yesterday the Government chose to: ⛈️ delay the deadline for banning horticultural #peat by 7 years ⛈️ set a deadline for scrapping unrecorded rights of way Both back-tracking, out of the blue and without consultation. Bad news for nature, climate & communities.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

Someone turned this beautiful wetland into a wasteland. Our village is trying to rescue this wonderful wild corner for #nature . We've raised half the funds (c.£30k) in the village, but we need help to find the rest *by Wednesday*. Can you help? #rewilding

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

8 months

Thank you to everyone who defended #NutrientNeutrality protection for nature - the Government's proposals have been rejected. Peers from all parties have concluded that we can build houses *without* sacrificing rivers or weakening environmental law. Now on to restoring nature.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

9 months

The #NutrientNeutrality amendment has been published. With these harmless-looking words, Government wants to disapply the #HabitatsRegulations to allow pollution without mitigation in England's most sensitive nature sites. Parliamentarians concerned about rivers, plz vote "no".

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

9 months

An amendment has been tabled to *stop* Government's #NutrientNeutrality plans. It's in the name of the Duke of Wellington, a respected cross-bencher. @uklabour 's @WhitchurchGirl has already added her support & we understand Peers from every party are lining up to fight this hard

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

8 months

The #StateofNature report is comprehensive & devastating. The next General Election must be a nature election.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

8 months

@elliegoulding Thanks, @elliegoulding , and hello! Thank you for all your environmental campaigning and the soundtrack to go with it!

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

The PM has targeted #newts & #RedTape in promising to "build build build", but review after review show well-implemented planning laws allow sensible development at the same time as protecting #nature . #TheTimeIsNow for a #GreenRecovery , not a rerun of old-fashioned #deregulation

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

. @sainsburys , you set a good example moving to 100% free range eggs, so why are you now wrapping them in #plastic ? Your eggs in cardboard are now twice the price per egg than your eggs in plastic. That seems totally topsy-turvy. Is there a good reason please? #Plasticfree

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

Divvying up England into "protect, renew & grow" would be a disastrous over-simplification of the planning system. #Nature can't be cordoned off into AONBs & #greenbelt , leaving other areas a development free-for-all Let's hit the brakes on #ProjectSpeed

New homes to get 'automatic' permission in England planning shake-up

The housing secretary says a "permission in principle" will speed-up building and create jobs.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

10 months

Politicians pledge to stop #nature 's decline by 2030, but vital funding & policies are no where to be seen. Today, with 80 charities, we launch #Nature2030 , calling on all political parties to commit to 5 actions to improve our environment. Please sign!

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

5 years

When there's a #GeneralElection , I'll be running for the @LibDems in my home constituency, #Wantage . I'll be standing for #environment , #internationalism & #equality . Watch this space.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

This is a tremendous step forward: If it's designed well, this target could power the policy & investment needed to turn round the decline of #nature at last. Thank you to everyone who has joined the #StateofNature campaign! Keep going until it's in law.

Green light for 'net zero' equivalent for nature

The government promises to "halt the decline of nature" as part of a drive to improve the environment.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

We're asking @RishiSunak to invest in #nature & a #GreenRecovery in his July budget. Projects proposed by @WCL_News members will help beat #climatechange , protect #wildlife and create thousands of jobs. Please join us in asking Government to #GrowBackBetter .

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

1 year

Manifesto writers, please take note. The law requires Government to halt wildlife decline by 2030. In case anyone thought it'd be easy, see new new bird stats today: relentless decline. Success means transformation in #nature investment & regulation.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

The #RetainedEULawBill is a serious danger to environmental law. @CarolineLucas is right to oppose the bill's 2nd Reading tomorrow with an amendment to stop the bill. If the bill proceeds, hundreds of laws covering #wildife , #water , #cleanair , #chemicals & #waste could be lost.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

9 months

This is the Government Press Release on #NutrientNeutrality . It's wrong in so many ways. Here's a thread of three: ❌ environmental laws don't stop housing ❌ the #HabitatsRegulations are effective ❌ the new money won't stop the pollution

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

📰Read all about it!📢 We've sent our News of the (Natural) World to MPs today, with the headlines we hope to see if a #StateofNature target is set in the #EnvironmentBill . Please sign the petition and help make some good news come true:

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

8 months

Net gain joins the chemicals strategy, deposit return scheme, extended producer responsibility, farming regulation & more in the Bermuda Triangle of missing DEFRA environmental commitments. These delays are costly to Local Authorities, business & nature.

Government to delay new environmental building rules

Environmentalists say delaying the implementation of new biodiversity rules is "a hammer blow for nature".

www.bbc.co.uk

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

8 months

We urge Parliamentarians from all Parties to oppose Government amendments tomorrow - houses can be built while protecting nature. There's still time for @RishiSunak to think again and withdraw these river-wrecking, market-obliterating, law-busting #NutrientNeutrality plans.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

9 months

Update: Conservative Peer @uxbridgewalrus & Lib Dem @kateparminter have added their names in support of the amendment. Environmental voices from across the political spectrum are coming together to press Government to withdraw its misguided #NutrientNeutrality proposals.

Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

9 months

An amendment has been tabled to *stop* Government's #NutrientNeutrality plans. It's in the name of the Duke of Wellington, a respected cross-bencher. @uklabour 's @WhitchurchGirl has already added her support & we understand Peers from every party are lining up to fight this hard

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

On Monday, a #StateofNature proposal will be debated in Parliament This humble-looking amendment could make the difference between Government's weak target and a powerful legal obligation to halt the decline of #wildlife by 2030 We hope all parties unite for this vital change.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

Reminder: #EnvironmentAct requires Government to lay nature targets before Parliament by 31 October. They must include a 2030 target to halt species loss. They should also include: 🌳good condition of protected habitats 🍄good ecological river status 💚reversing wildlife decline

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

We need a #StateofNature target in the #EnvironmentBill to halt the decline of #wildlife by 2030. As @HenrySmithUK points out in the @DailyExpressRB today, a " #netzero for #nature " is also essential to drive investment and a #GreenRecovery for our economy.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

Overlap between the areas of greatest unemployment and the areas with the greatest potential for restoring #nature is clearly mapped out in this excellent new @GreenAllianceUK report: . Further weight to the case that the only recovery is a #GreenRecovery .

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

Somehow an "emergency" application to use banned pesticides trumps the #EcologicalEmergency in government decision making. Every time corporate short termism wins over environmental sense our hope of saving #nature fades a little further. #NeonicsAreBack

Neonicotinoid product as seed treatment for sugar beet: emergency authorisation application 2024

The Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries grants conditional emergency authorisation to use a product containing a neonicotinoid to treat seeds for the 2024 sugar beet seed crop in England.

www.gov.uk

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

5 years

Fantastic to confirm we're working with the @TheGreenParty under @unitetoremain in Wantage constituency. *Thank you* to @WantageGreens for your collaborative approach. Together we can #StopBrexit and get on with tackling #climatechange and working for #nature and social equality.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

It may not be the biggest rally, but our little village is supporting #ClimateActionNow . From Great Coxwell to #COP26 : good luck, be brave, please do what's needed to stop #climatechange & save #nature !

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

10 months

New polling: if you're of the 63% who think the Government is handling the environment badly, don't just be quietly cross. Sign the #Nature2030 letter to political leaders & let's see who really steps up for our environment ahead of the #GeneralElection .

YouGov

@YouGov

10 months

Public approval of the government's handling of the environment reaches a new low of -36 Terrorism: +29 net Defence: +2 Unemployment: -12 Environment: -36 Brexit: -43 Crime: -46 Economy: -60 Housing: -58 Inflation: -65 NHS: -68 Immigration: -72

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

Mr Johnson's 10 point plan includes a promise of new #NationalParks to help protect 30% of the land for #nature by 2030. The #30by30 commitment is v welcome, but Government has hugely underestimated the effort needed to deliver it. New briefing here:

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

9 months

A powerful intervention from the Government's own nature watchdog - #NutrientNeutrality plans would be a "regression" in environmental protection. We hope Parliamentarians from all parties will join us in asking @RishiSunak to abandon these damaging plans.

The Office for Environmental Protection

@OfficeforEP

9 months

Proposed changes to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill will reduce the level of environmental protection provided for in law and amount to a regression, the OEP is warning. Find out more:

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

*Thank you* to the 100,000 (& forty) people who've signed our joint #StateofNature campaign so far. We need a legal target in the #EnvironmentBill to halt the decline of #wildlife by 2030. Please join our call for this vital law: a "net zero for #nature "

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

8 months

On #WorldRiversDay , we hear @RishiSunak plans to revive plans to scrap #NutrientNeutrality rules despite the idea being: ❌harmful to rivers & nature law ❌unnecessary for housing ❌clear rejected in Parliament just days ago Hope the report is inaccurate.

Sunak to rip up green rules to build 140,000 homes despite Labour and Natural England opposition

The Prime Minister is believed to be drafting a new bill to ditch ‘nutrient neutrality’, drawing the wrath of environmental groups

www.telegraph.co.uk

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign for a #StateofNature target in the #EnvironmentBill & thanks to the Government for listening! This amendment has just been published. It means that the Government MUST take action to halt the decline of wildlife by 2030. Great!

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

7 months

Today, Section 19 of the #EnvironmentAct finally comes into force. Government must now have "due regard" to ideas like the precautionary principle & #polluterpays in making law & policy. From sewage to spending plans, Treasury to Transport, let's make sure they don't forget.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

It's I0 yrs since the Lawton Review called for more #wildlife -rich habitat: bigger, better & connected. Today, the panel has written to Government to propose £1bn capital investment in #nature at the Spending Review. @hmtreasury mustn't delay any longer.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

5 months

UK Government's #COP28 #Nature day announcements. A speedy 🧵on the good and the gaps. The good: criteria published for the #30x30 commitment to protect 30% for nature by 2030. The map rightly counts National Landscapes as areas with unfulfilled potential for #nature recovery.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

8 months

Good news. DEFRA agreed to strengthen legal links between Local Nature Recovery Strategies & local plans. The change is in response to @kateparminter 's proposals, supported by Kathy Willis & @WhitchurchGirl . Thanks to @RichardHRBenyon for listening. Now to get the LNRSs flying!

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

The horror: 68% decline in #wildlife worldwide The hope: #conservation & more #sustainable consumption can still avert catastrophe. @WWF & @OfficialZSL #LPR2020 : an urgent reminder that the UK must achieve a #GreenRecovery & reduce our #GlobalFootprint .

Wildlife in 'catastrophic decline' due to human destruction, scientists warn

Conservation group WWF says global wildlife populations have shrunk by two-thirds since 1970.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

We welcome the Government's announcement of a further £40m for the Green Recovery Challenge Fund. For a #GreenRecovery , this will need to be the start of serious and sustained investment in #nature .

Extra £40m for green spaces in England, Boris Johnson pledges

Funding will support thousands of jobs, as part of a green recovery from Covid, the government says.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

8 months

In a brilliant speech, Lord Deben has just told Parliament that this amendment is one of the worst pieces of legislation he has ever seen.

Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

8 months

Here is a 🧵catalogue of some of the opposition to Government's #NutrientNeutrality proposals, ahead of key votes in Parliament *tomorrow*. Reminder: the proposals would: ❌polluter rivers ❌weaken environmental law ❌break the #PolluterPaysPrinciple

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

9 months

Scrapping #NeutrientNeutrality would expose England's most sensitive rivers to yet more pollution. If Government were to do this, it'd undermine our most vital nature laws, the #HabitatsRegulations . Please don't make this environmental error @RishiSunak

UK to scrap rules protecting waterways to boost housebuilding

Developers argue EU-era regulation on ‘nutrient neutrality’ has prevented construction of tens of thousands of homes

www.ft.com

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

8 months

Good news: Government has accepted proposals to strengthen National Parks & AONBs for nature. This is a positive change, responding to amendments by @uxbridgewalrus , @WhitchurchGirl & Kathy Willis. It's good for #30x30 & should start to steer daily decisions. Thanks @DefraGovUK

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

I've been blown away by support on the doorstep😃. Thank you everyone. The winds of change are blowing in Wantage & Didcot! I'm standing for #environment , #equality , internationalism and a fairer economy. Vote #LibDem tomorrow for a #BrighterFuture . #GE2019

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

9 months

National Parks + AONBs should have nature & climate plans. Public authorities should deliver them. It seems *so* obvious the Lakes, Peaks, Downs & Dales of England should be managed for nature, but they're often not. Please support this Lords #LevellingUp proposal. #Nature2030

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

New #NaturalHistoryMuseum & @Natures_Voice report finds the UK is bottom of the league of G7 countries for ecological intactness. Read @martinRSPB 's blog to learn more: & please sign the #StateofNature action to turn things round:

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

Government's 25 Year #Environment Plan report is out today. Some good news, but this single arrow tells a hundred thousand stories of #nature 's decline. We must #GrowBackBetter from the pandemic with a #GreenRecovery that invests £bns in our natural world.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

We need a #StateofNature target in law to halt the destruction of our natural world by 2030. Please sign & share the petition:

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

I think government should double the farming budget - it would still be a bargain for supporting over 70% of our land. But *only* if that public money is spent on public goods, finally backing farmers to work with nature. A return to area-based payments would be a dreadful waste.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

5 years

As ardent in environmental conviction as many a green campaigner & as thoughtful and clear-thinking a leader as you could ask for, I'm grateful for my time supporting @michaelgove as #Environment Sec. Thank you & good luck at the Cabinet Office. #environmentbill #netzero #farming

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

#riverpollution is a witch's brew of agricultural pollution, sewage, fatbergs, plastics & chemicals. Under-reporting, under-funding & under-enforcement are to blame. Government must get to grips with monitoring, investment & ensuring the #polluterpays . Brilliant report.

Environmental Audit Committee

@CommonsEAC

2 years

A ‘chemical cocktail’ of sewage, slurry and plastic polluting English rivers is putting public health and nature at risk. 📖Read our Water Quality in Rivers report, published today, at 🔍 #EACRivers #SaveOurRivers #CleanItUp #RiverPollution

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

1 year

The #PeoplesPlanForNature , out today, is a challenge to politicians of every persuasion. This citizens' assembly dreamt up an environment plan far bolder than any ever offered by a political party. Add your voice & ask: who will rise to the challenge?

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

The #BBCOurNextPM asked @trussliz & @RishiSunak what three things *the public* should do to beat #climatechange . What we really want to know is what three things *the new PM* would do to catch up on fast-fading hopes of #netzero & #nature 's recovery.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

1 year

Our new analysis with @theriverstrust shows that 81 of 105 of English river sites where PFAS "forever chemicals" have been found would breach proposed new EU safety thresholds, with 44 exceeding the level by more than *five times*.

UK risks falling behind Europe in controlling ‘forever chemicals’

Only two of thousands of PFAS are regulated, while the EU is already contemplating stricter standards

www.theguardian.com

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

#Pandemic caused by broken relationship with our #environment . Millions find solace in #nature , millions left stranded by loss of it. Huge potential for #greenrecovery This should've been Defra's year. Instead it stays in the doldrums of departmental spending. #SpendingReview

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

It's #WorldWildlifeDay & it's UK #BudgetSpeech2021 . That's an important coincidence. You can't have a #GreenRecovery without protecting #nature . But nature's in trouble. Join our call for a #StateofNature target to halt the decline of #Wildlife by 2030:

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

Today, the UN #GlobalBiodiversityOutlook5 confirms the world has failed its 10 year target to reverse the decline of #nature . We've written to @10DowningStreet to challenge Government to champion a strong new deal, with the investment we need to succeed.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

*Thank you* to the 150,000 of you who've called for a law to halt the decline of #nature ! If you haven't yet, please sign the petition for a #StateofNature target & help ensure the Government is legally bound to stop the decline of #wildlife by 2030:

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

Return to payments for owning land wouldn't "unleash British food & farming”. It'd be to admit failure: failure on a manifesto promise to pay for public goods. Failure to stand up to vested interests. Failure to see the future of farming is regenerative.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

Our #Nature2030 progress report is published today. It shows just 3.22% of the land and 8% of the sea are effectively protected #ForNature in England. The Government has made little progress toward its (excellent) #30x30 promise to protect 30% by 2030.

Only 3% of England under nature protection - report

"Little progress" has been made in protecting nature despite a government commitment, concludes a new report

www.bbc.com

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

Please respond to the #peat consultation: voluntary targets have failed, it's time *now* for a ban on sale of peat products. There should be no delay for the amateur sector & why not use point of sale charges & set a ban date in law for professional use?

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

This humble looking amendment is an essential one. Clause 127 of the #LevellingUp bill would allow Ministers to replace Habitats Regulations rules with their own "environmental outcomes". Amendment 181 would ensure the new rules can't weaken vital #nature laws.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

1 year

#RetainedEULaw bill Best case: green laws shift into UK law for proper review later = £millions in civil service time & lost opportunity Worst case: key protections are lost, with a bill of £billions to environment & economy The bill should be scrapped.

Legislation to remove or weaken EU green rules ‘could cost billions’

Environmental groups want the Retained EU Law Bill, which returns to the Commons on Wednesday, to be withdrawn immediately.

www.standard.co.uk

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

1 year

Next Monday, Parliament will consider linking Local Nature Recovery Strategies with the planning system. This is a vital missing link. Development is so often poorly planned for nature. This small #LevellingUp change could improve thousands of daily decisions for nature @luhc .

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

10 months

We're 5 years into DEFRA's 25 Year Environment Plan. Behind the glossy case studies, the figures in today's progress report show ongoing decline. To have a hope of halting nature's decline, please support #Nature2030 & campaign for real action:

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

40% of domestic waters are designated, but there are *no* areas where all damaging activities are prohibited to allow marine #wildlife to recover. Please join @WildlifeTrusts campaign. It's time for Highly Protected Marine Areas to give #nature space.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

1 year

Congratulations to all involved in striking a deal at #COP15 "to halt & reverse biodiversity loss" and to protect 30% of the Earth for #nature by 2030. Many thanks for FCDO & DEFRA diplomatic efforts to get a strong deal - @ZacGoldsmith and team. Onwards for implementation.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

7 years

Amendment to the #QueensSpeech motion by @CarolineLucas rightly calls for an #Environment Act to match & exceed #EU standards post- #Brexit .

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

1 year

In the face of Government opposition, the Lords voted to pass the amendment. Thanks to all who voted in favour. Now it's back to the Commons. Surely the Government must accept that these over-mighty powers to scrap or amend nature laws should be constrained?

Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

1 year

The Lords improved the #RetainedEULawBill with a clause to prevent Ministers from weakening environmental law. Last week, Government deleted the amendment in the Commons. Tomorrow, Parliament will consider again. Government should accept this legal guarantee of their promises.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

1 year

Ministers are giving emergency permission to use #neonicotinoids . 3rd year in a row. Advice by Expert Committee on Pesticides & @H_S_E out today: "requirements for emergency authorisation have not been met" New ELM #IntegratedPestManagement standards must break this toxic cycle

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

Following the #borisjohnsonspeech today, we need "more haste, less #ProjectSpeed " for a #GreenRecovery . #Nature needs investment & stronger laws, not #deregulation and "build build build".

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

It's only a matter of time before governments recognise that prosperity & growth are 2 different things & move to a #WellbeingEconomy . But will we be in time to stop #climatechange & #EcologicalCrisis ? Please join me in signing this excellent petition:

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

New stats show almost every metric for UK #wildlife & #nature in short & long term decline. Any hope of living up to the promise of passing on a better #environment means multiplying investment in nature now: land, sea & freshwater. #GreenRecovery

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

A horribly common story with Local Authorities 1) too poor to risk legal challenge, 2) too often without ecologists & 3) facing big developers who easily risk small fines. Any #planning reform must address this asymmetry. 100s of years to grow, days to destroy #hedgerows #nature

James Abbott

@JamesAbbott2013

4 years

@ShaunSpiers1 @ExplorerDale @resi_analyst @prospect_uk @RedrowHomes This - no longer exists. Described by @RedrowHomes consultants as a poor and dying hedge.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

Government has given the public just *8 weeks* to consult on vital #EnvironmentAct targets. 2 weeks have gone by, but the (1000 page +) evidence packs to inform the consultation haven't been published. They must have been finished to inform the proposals, so what's the delay?

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

#BigGardenBirdWatch2021 was Robin's second. Fewer #species this year, but a squadron of greenfinches and a whirlwind of blue tits made for exciting counting for everyone! Thank you @Natures_Voice .

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

5 years

I'm standing in Wantage constituency #GE2019 for #environment , #internationalism and #equality - a #BrighterFuture .

Introducing Richard Benwell

Printed and promoted by S. Thompson on behalf of Richard Benwell, C5 Grange Court Business Park, Barton Lane, Abingdon, OX14 3NB

vimeo.com

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

5 years

Thanks, @WCL_News . #ClimateCrisis & #nature need urgent political attention, clear policy, and a united #environment movement. Link & its amazing members (with more supporters than all political parties combined) are an amazing force for good. I'm honoured & excited to join you.

Wildlife and Countryside Link

@WCL_News

5 years

We are delighted to announce that @RSBenwell will join @WCL_News as CEO from 1 October. Dr Benwell brings with him a wealth of skills and knowledge to help ensure the joint voice of the environment sector is heard & heeded.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

Brilliant @Unchecked_UK report shows effects of severe funding cuts at @NaturalEngland & @EnvAgency on enforcement. They need major capital & revenue investment at #SpendingReview to fulfil current functions, let alone deliver the #EnvironmentBill & #ELM .

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

1 year

The Environmental Improvement Plan is launched today. It's excellent to see a new Species Survival Fund, focused on delivering the 2030 target to halt the decline of wildlife. The funding will need to be large and lengthy to succeed - we await details.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

The environmental message of today's #visionforplanning is quite simple, really: optimising land use to restore our #environment & avert #climatechange should be a core purpose of #planning . #Nature isn't a constraint in planning, it's an objective.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

6 years

Paying for public goods is a fairer, greener way to pay farmers. Farming will receive the same amount of cash, but with most money going to those who do most for the #environment , rather than those who own most land. #greeneruk #BackBritishFarming

Patrick Begg

@NT_Pat

6 years

Catching up after hols and today a landmark day: first Agri Bill since 1947! @DefraGovUK and @michaelgove putting overwhelming emphasis on public money for public goods: excellent. Public goods clearly all about a healthy, beautiful and accessible natural environment.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

A pretty explicit message from the Environment Agency in its regulation report today. Serious pollution incidents are increasing because of budget cuts (still £60m < 2010 funds). Until they're reversed, Government savings will continue to be converted to environmental costs.

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

@GeorgeMonbiot @NFUtweets Here is the advice from the Expert Committee on Pesticides from the 2018 application for emergency use of Cruiser SB:

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

5 months

When consultees like @NaturalEngland & the @EnvAgency are slow to respond, this shouldn't be a green light for development. It should be a warning light on DEFRA's dashboard that environmental regulators are so cash-strapped they're falling behind in core conservation duties.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

@luhc

5 months

“I am asking Sam Richards to lead a rapid review into the statutory consultee system to look at whether the group of consultees is right and whether the absence of a reply with an appropriate timeline should be a green light rather than a red one.”

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

Government has published proposals for new #nature targets. It's good to see the 2030 #StateofNature target to halt #wildlife decline recognised as an apex goal. Thanks to all who campaigned with us. But overall the proposals aren't yet strong enough:

Government must aim higher on nature targets

Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, discusses Government's proposals for Environment Act targets, and how these do not aim high enough to halt nature's decline by 2030.

www.wcl.org.uk

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

8 months

Here is a 🧵catalogue of some of the opposition to Government's #NutrientNeutrality proposals, ahead of key votes in Parliament *tomorrow*. Reminder: the proposals would: ❌polluter rivers ❌weaken environmental law ❌break the #PolluterPaysPrinciple

Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

9 months

The #NutrientNeutrality amendment has been published. With these harmless-looking words, Government wants to disapply the #HabitatsRegulations to allow pollution without mitigation in England's most sensitive nature sites. Parliamentarians concerned about rivers, plz vote "no".

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

Excellent question from @CarolineLucas . Partial answer from @BorisJohnson . We don't need a promise to save the world that no single government could deliver. We need a #StateofNature target in the #EnvironmentBill to halt the decline of #nature in England by 2030.

BBC Politics

@BBCPolitics

3 years

Green MP Caroline Lucas calls for a legally-binding commitment to halt a decline in biodiversity Boris Johnson says “this government is committed not just to halting, but reversing biodiversity loss not just in this country but around the world” #PMQs

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

A year ago, Cumbria County Council unanimously voted to become carbon neutral. Now the same Council has approved the 1st UK coal mine in 30 years. An utterly retrograde decision locally, in a choice that should have been banned nationally. #climatechange

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

1 year

New research: chemical cocktails are polluting 81% of rivers & lakes. The toxic effects of pesticides, drugs & "forever chemicals" can multiply in combination. Please join our campaign urging @DefraGovUK to stop this #ChemicalCocktail threat to #nature .

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

Voting Lib Dem: a fun family trip out. Why not try it?

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

9 months

The @OfficeforEP has responded again with perfect clarity: "What is certain is that the proposed amendments would amount to regression in law." The Government must surely retract its statement and then the #NutrientNeutrality amendment.

Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

9 months

Government has responded to the @OfficeforEP 's letter on #NutrientNeutrality with evasion. The OEP says Government proposals would weaken the law, DEFRA's response refers to outcomes @DefraGovUK do you accept that the OEP's conclusion that the proposals are a regression in law?

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

If a #pesticide is too toxic for people & #wildlife , we shouldn't allow it to be made here & exported to countries where the law doesn't protect people & #nature as well. There's a new #chemicals strategy next year. Time to ban this harmful practice.

UK and EU sent thousands of tonnes of banned pesticides poor countries

The UK is by far Europe's biggest exporter of toxic banned pesticides to poorer countries, an Unearthed and Public Eye investigation reveals.

unearthed.greenpeace.org

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

Government's promise to protect 30% of land & sea for nature by 2030 is great. The problem is they say they're already at 26% - that's a huge overestimate. Major reform & investment are needed to to bring those sites up to scratch for #30x30 . Read how:

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

We must stop the decline in the #StateofNature by 2030. That's what #G7 leaders are promising. Now DEFRA has published its #EnvironmentBill target. It isn't a 2030 target to halt decline & it's not a "net zero for nature". Read our letter to the PM:

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

4 years

The Government has made a big commitment here, at an important moment in the run up to global #nature talks next year. It could help rally international efforts for #wildlife . Once the lines are drawn on maps, investment & regulation are needed to succeed.

Boris Johnson pledges to protect 30% of UK’s land by 2030

Boris Johnson is promising to protect 30 per cent of the UK's land by 2030 under Government plans to support the recovery of nature.

www.standard.co.uk

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

Water & sewerage companies receive their worst Environmental Performance Assessment by the #EnvironmentAgency today. Another reason to ask the #ToryLeadershipContest candidates what they will do for #climate & #nature .

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

2 years

Everyone should have a right to #nature to: 🌳protect precious woodlands/wetlands/rivers 💚create new green spaces 🌱access the countryside 🍄restore neglected nature If you agree, please join our campaign for #NatureForEveryone :

Nature For Everyone!

🚨Nature in our neighbourhoods is in trouble. 🚨 Development, decline & disappearing funding have left our local parks, riversides & woods struggling. And 1 in 3 of us can’t access healthy nature...

action.wildlifetrusts.org

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Richard Benwell

@RSBenwell

3 years

Yesterday MPs voted out an #EnvironmentBill amendment to #EndSewagePollution . On the same day, @EnvAgency warned there's a risk of a "catastrophic" #pollution incident unless its enforcement functions are better funded. Hope Defra & Lords find a compromise & HMT find the money!

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