Pearson promises climate-focused water strategy

The Environment Department (DEFRA) is preparing a new water strategy for England which puts climate change and greenhouse emissions reductions centre stage, Mr Pearson revealed at a seminar organised by the think-tank Institute for Public Policy Research.

"We are moving to a new dry Britain where we need to be smarter and more flexible in our water use," he warned.

The strategy, scheduled for completion by the end of the year, will replace the current water strategy, published in 2002. It will enable “preconceptions and policies” to change and set “a vision for 2030 and beyond”, the minister said.