VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Nature Conservation: Departmental Coordination

Asked by Chris HinchliffLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 16 December 2025UIN 97320

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will publish a cross-government nature strategy, including requiring all departments to have a duty to consider nature.

Answered by Mary Creagh

Defra plans to publish the Cross Government Nature Strategy (CGNS) in March 2026.

Under the Environment Act 2021, the Biodiversity Duty established in s40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 was strengthened. This requires all government departments to identify and implement actions to conserve and enhance biodiversity, consistent with the exercise of their function.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim