Reed, who previously served in the same role within the Labour shadow cabinet commented on his new role:
Steve Reed Announced as Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
Following the Labour Party’s recent election win, Steve Reed was announced as the secretary of state for environment, food, and rural affairs.
It is the privilege of my life to be appointed as the secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs,” the Labour MP for Streatham and North Croydon said.
There is no sugar-coating it: we face a crisis point. Record levels of sewage in our rivers, lakes and seas. Nature is dying. Confidence among farmers is at the lowest on record.
It will take years to reverse this damage, but the work of change begins now.
Steve Reed
Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
Steve Reed, now the secretary of state for environment, food, and rural affairs, represents Streatham and Croydon North in Parliament and formerly led Lambeth Council.
In a video from Defra, Reed expressed his intention to prioritise creating a plan for transitioning Britain to a zero-waste economy. While Labour’s manifesto briefly mentions a circular economy without delving into recycling specifics, Reed has shown interest in emulating the recycling achievements of the Labour government in Wales.
Additionally, Daniel Zeichner, MP for Cambridge, has been appointed as Defra’s minister of state. Zeichner, who has been involved with Defra as a shadow minister focusing on food and farming since January 2020, identifies as a dedicated environmentalist.
It's encouraging to see the new government taking swift action already. They have a significant task ahead with the implementation of the resources and waste strategy and I am eager to see how Steve Reed will manage the equitable and timely delivery of EPR for Packaging, while still meeting the policy goals established in 2018.
The industry is keenly awaiting the release of the base fees, and Clarity is committed to working with Defra and our members to support and provide feedback in the most effective ways possible.
The industry is keenly awaiting the release of the base fees, and Clarity is committed to working with Defra and our members to support and provide feedback in the most effective ways possible.
Martin Trigg-Knight
Director of Compliance Services, Clarity Environmental
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