Will the revised Environmental Improvement Plan deliver for nature? MPs explore

Wednesday 21 January 2026, 14.30, Committee Room 15

On Wednesday, MPs will hear evidence on the Government's revised plan to meet its legally binding environment and nature targets.

Under the Environment Act, UK governments are required to publish Environmental Improvement Plans (EIPs) which detail how the Government will improve the environment over at least 15 years.

The first EIP, covering 25 years, was published in 2018. This was revised first in January 2023 and then most recently in December 2025. The latest revision included some changes to targets, such as reducing exposure to fine particulate pollution by 30%. 

MPs are likely to ask witnesses whether the revised EIP demonstrates more ambition than the previous version, and whether it will be enough to get the Government back on track to reaching its environmental commitments.

They are also likely to ask specifically about the EIP's measures to improve air quality, such as the consultation on domestic wood burning.

Witnesses

From 14.30:

• Richard Benwell, Chief Executive, Wildlife and Countryside Link
• Ruth Chambers OBE, Senior Fellow, Green Alliance
• Livi Elsmore, Senior Campaign Manager, Healthy Air Coalition

From 15.30:

• Sally Hayns, CEO, CIEEM
• Martin Lines, CEO, Nature Friendly Farming Network
• Dr Dianne Mitchell, Chief Environment Adviser at National Farmers Union (NFU)