T

he scale of the challenges faced was immense even before Liz Truss was appointed, but since becoming Prime Minister her inbox will have increased exponentially. As well as a cost of living crisis, global energy crisis, soaring inflation, a war in Ukraine, and stresses on the NHS, she now also has to deal with a faltering macro-economic picture and financial markets in turmoil.

I started writing this article a few weeks ago and in that short time, we have seen a swathe of Ministerial changes. It is our job to keep up with them – not only to ensure we can fully analyse the situation on behalf of EIC Members, but with one eye on future political engagement and advocacy.

Much was made of Liz Truss’ views of the environment during the election. The reality is, of course, much different for politicians once in power. It is clear that the Government is still publicly supporting the commitment to Net Zero, however, they have said climate and animal welfare issues could be de-prioritised over the coming months.

Certainly many will point to the roll-back on ELMS, apparent relaxation of planning rules in the fiscal statement, and the re-introduction of fracking as a significant changes in approach. This in addition to perhaps a more understandable relaxation of green levies on energy production.

Delivery on environmental issues under this administration will no doubt become even more challenging. Michael Lunn, EIC

Let's have a look under the bonnet of this new Truss administration where we have a number of new and familiar faces. While appointments have been announced, it is still somewhat unclear what specific roles/subjects Ministers will be responsible for.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)

• Ranil Jayawardena MP appointed DEFRA Secretary. Backed Liz Truss. (Vote record is pro-fracking and anti net-zero policy).
• Rt Hon Lord Benyon as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (covering Natural Capital and National Parks).
• Mark Spencer MP appointed Minister of State at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Backed Rishi.
• Scott Mann MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
• Trudy Harrison MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

• Jacob Rees-Mogg MPappointed Secretary of State for BEIS. Backed Liz Truss. (generally voted against incentives to address climate change, supporter of fracking, and pro-investment in infrastructure).
• Graham Stuart MP appointed Minister of State (Minister for Climate) in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Backed Liz Truss.
• Jackie Doyle-Price MP appointed Minister of State at Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
• Nusrat Ghani MPappointed a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
• Dean Russell MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
• Lord Callanan as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
• Alok Sharma MPstaying as COP26 President. Undeclared.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DULUHC)

• Simon Clarke MP appointed Secretary of State for Local Government, Housing and Levelling Up. Backed Liz Truss. (Voted against financial incentives for low carbon emission electricity generation methods, and favours low taxation on fuel for cars) Responsible for review on NPPF due October 22 and Levelling Up Bill.
• Dehenna DavisonMP appointed a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
• Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
• Andrew Stephenson MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Department for Transport

• Anne-Marie Trevelyanappointed Transport Secretary. Backed Liz Truss.
• Katherine Fletcher MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport.
• Lucy FrazerMP appointed Minister of State in the Department for Transport
• Baroness Vere of Norbiton as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport (Not responsible for roads).

Delivery on environmental issues under this administration will no doubt become even more challenging. This will require a determined effort of EIC on behalf of its members to get our messages across. However, our refreshed approach to advocacy provides a strong and confident framework for engagement, and we’re looking forward to taking our proposals to the new Ministers and their teams.

The events of the last few days do confirm one thing, however. We are expecting a turbulent period both economically and politically. While we may see more environmental announcements at the forthcoming Conservative Party Conference – which will no doubt give us a better steer – we may well need to wait a few months to see how existing legislation progresses before we can fully judge Liz Truss and her team on the environment.

Michael Lunn is public affairs and policy executive at EIC.