Priorities for the new UK Government: Stewarding Britain’s natural environment

A new government has been in power in Westminster since July. In our Policy & Practice miniseries, Priorities for the new UK Government, we explore key issues on which the Government is—or ought to be—focusing its attention.

In this event, jointly hosted with the UCL Policy Lab, we will be exploring nature policy. From toxic rivers to dwindling urban green space, Britain’s natural environment is in a poor state. What does the new Government plan to do to steward the country’s natural environment? What more should be done—and by whom?  

This seminar will be followed by a drinks reception. All are invited to attend.

Copies of Guy’s new book ‘Lie of the Land: Who Really Cares for the Countryside?‘ will be available to purchase at the event.

Meet the speakers

Guy Shrubsole is an environmental campaigner and writer. He has worked for Rewilding Britain, Friends of the Earth, the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and New Zealand’s Ministry of Agriculture. He is the author of multiple books, the latest of which is Lie of the Land: Who Really Cares for the Countryside? (2024) and he frequently writes for publications including the Guardian, the New Statesman and New Scientist. 

Baroness Young of Old Scone is an environmental campaigner and regulator who has worked to safeguard and improve the environment globally, nationally and locally through a range of civil society and governmental organisations. She was Chief Executive of the RSPB (1991–98), Chair of English Nature (1998–2000), Chief Executive of the Environment Agency (2000–08), and Chair of Woodland Trust (2016-2024). She was also Chancellor of Cranfield University (2010–2020). She was created a Life Peer Member of the House of Lords in 1997 where she promotes environmental issues and is currently Chair of the Labour Climate and Environment Forum.

Mark Walton is the Director of Shared Assets, a community interest company that works with communities, landowners, researchers and activists to create a more just land system. He works to create a socially just future by supporting practical projects that build new relationships between people and the land. 

Chair: Professor Cathy Elliott is Professor (Teaching) in the UCL Department of Political Science and Vice Dean (Education) of the Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences. 

This event will be recorded and the video will be uploaded to our YouTube channel.

You can subscribe to our YouTube channel to be alerted when the recording is uploaded.

Accessibility

• The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
• There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
• The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
• There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s), located at the back.
• There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
• There is space for an assistance dog.
• There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
• There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).

For more accessiblity info and an access guide please visit Accessable 

Link

This seminar is co-organised by UCL Policy Lab.

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