The key aim of this briefing paper is to examine how nature protection in England could diverge from EU policies and legislation as a result of the PIB, especially in relation to the development of Environmental Delivery Plans and the new Nature Restoration Fund. The proposed changes are widely considered to be the most significant in the UK for decades. They would result in substantial divergence from the EU’s nature legislation and required practical procedures for protecting specific habitats and species within protected areas, as well as strictly protected species wherever they occur.

This briefing takes into account agreed amendments to the PIB up to 23 May 2025, which have followed the 1st and 2nd Readings of the Bill in the House of Commons and completion of consideration of evidence and discussion by the Public Bills Committee. As such we believe the paper accurate as of its publishing date, at the end of May 2025.

Note: We acknowledge that political developments have taken place after publication, including further amendments to the UK Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill during its passage, and that further amendments may be proposed by the House of Commons and House of Lords.. We will be publishing a separate insight piece shortly which covers these developments and where they materially change any of the analysis in the Briefing paper below. However, it seems unlikely that Part 3 of the Bill will change very significantly before finalisation, especially given the government’s substantial majority in Parliament, its prioritisation of economic growth and numerous statements claiming environmental law is a blocker of development.

The full briefing can be downloaded below

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