Author: jonesjb

Environmental Targets: Air Pollution

Published on by jonesjb

These targets are, again, too little, too late. The Government say they want to improve human health and reduce environmental pollution and that there is some urgency to their actions, but that is absolute nonsense because they have had the opportunity to show the public that they care about the quality of our water and air and they have shown no ambition. A target was published in 2005 to meet WHO’s old air quality guideline which we now won’t meet until 2040 Continue reading “Environmental Targets: Air Pollution” →

Environmental Targets: Marine

Published on by jonesjb

As a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UK failed to reach its target of restoring at least 15% of degraded ecosystems by 2020. It was adopted by the UK as part of target 2 of the EU’s biodiversity strategy, and the lack of progress is most pronounced in the marine and costal environment, where habitat degradation continues and restoration remains in its relative infancy. I believe that nobody in the Government understands the ocean, it is crucial to our well-being, and these new Government targets related to the Environment Act 2021 are utterly insufficient. Continue reading “Environmental Targets: Marine” →

Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill Second Reading

Published on by jonesjb

This Bill does not mention climate change which is the biggest existential threat to all of humankind; it is not just about the north or the south but the whole world and the Government have been deficient in mentioning it and putting it into a context that can make a difference. Continue reading “Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill Second Reading” →

Afghanistan

Published on by jonesjb

In the last few months of 2022, Germany extracted 24,000 people from Afghanistan. The UK has so far resettled 6,300 people in total in its Afghan citizens resettlement scheme which opened in January 2022.

I have asked HMG this Question for Written Answer: what recent steps it has taken to address famine and food insecurity in Afghanistan; and if it will reaffirm Britain’s humanitarian commitment by providing resources to help Afghanistan’s electricity shortage? Continue reading “Afghanistan” →

National Security Bill Committee Stage Day 1

Published on by jonesjb

This Bill is the National Security Bill and, therefore, it ought to be about national security. The offences should not be able to be translated to other areas. These offences are drawn so badly and broadly that they will criminalise a huge range of conduct which might only vaguely affect the interests of the UK. It is a dangerous piece of legislation, because it is so broad that the police and security services will be able to turn it into something they can use against far too many people. Continue reading “National Security Bill Committee Stage Day 1” →