River Basin Management Plans: Court of Appeal Judgment

Emma Hardy Excerpts

Tuesday 6th May 2025 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)]

This Government inherited a sector in disrepair and in dire need of widespread reform after 14 years of Conservative failure. The Government know that essential, widespread reform is needed to fix a failing water sector.

The Government welcome the judgment of the Court of Appeal in the case of Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Steve Reed) v. Pickering Fishery Association, which was handed down on 2 April.

The judgment clarifies the requirements of the water framework directive and the domestic regulations which implement them.



DEFRA will work together with the Environment Agency on how to deliver improved river basin management planning consistently with the Court’s conclusions.

Given the significance of the judgment, we will lay out more detail on any revised approach in light of the judgment as soon as practicable and we will keep Parliament informed of developments.

This work will also support the development of ambitious future reforms this Government will be making to the water sector to ensure the health of our water environment.

Comprehensive reform is needed to restore our rivers, lakes and seas to good health, and ensure that the water sector works for both customers and the environment. Through these reforms we can begin to regain public trust and restore our rivers, lakes and seas for current and future generations to enjoy.

We recognise the current system is not fit for purpose, which is why we launched an independent water commission, which is looking at widespread water sector reform including the effectiveness of the water framework directive and river basin management plans. The commission will report to the UK and Welsh Governments this summer and both Governments will respond and consult on proposals. The commission’s final recommendations will shape future action to transform how our water system works and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

[HCWS618]