Following it's introduction to the Environment Bill by the House of Lords, MPs have voted against bringing in a tougher air quality target.
Previously, peers had amended the legislation in order to set a limit on particle pollution by 2030, that would be at least as strict as World Health Organisation guidance, but the Commons rejected this in line with the Government's wishes. Since it was first published in 2019, the Bill has been going back and forth between the two Houses of Parliament, in a process known as "ping-pong" - this will continue to happen until both houses can agree on the final measures to be included. After this, it can finally enter the law.
The Commons votes arrive just a few days ahead of the COP26 global climate summit, with ministers keen to get the Bill through Parliament before it takes place, on the 31 October. MPs also rejected an amendment added by the Lords - one that would place a duty on water companies to reduce raw sewage discharge into rivers.
The Government states that the Bill will help to improve air and water quality, tackle plastic pollution, restore the wildlife and protect the climate. There are a number of UK-wide provisions, but some of its measures apply only to England, or England and Wales.
The Bill will also set up a watchdog to monitor progress on improving the environment - the Office for Environmental Protection. The Commons voted to remove a Lords amendment designed to guarantee that body's independence, however, MPs did agree to a proposal that would allow charges to be levied on all single-use items, rather than those just made of plastic.
The chief executive of the RSPB, Beccy Speight, accused the Government of "falling short of its pledge to leave the natural environment in a better state than it inherited it". The campaign group 'Surfers Against Sewage' stated it was "astonishing that, in this critical decade for the environment, the Government is opting out of amendments designed to better protect the planet and all its precious inhabitants".
A Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) spokesperson replied that the "landmark" Bill would "transform how we protect our natural environment, make better use of our resources and clean up our air and water."
They added that, "It is vital that the Bill now completes its passage into law as soon as possible, so we can meet our commitment of leaving the environment in a better state for future generations."
