Member

The arguments that Natural England is independent and yet the Government are giving it direction cannot both be true. The Government originally set this Bill out with Natural England being independent, so where is the logic to flipping that fundamentally on its head? How would the independence of Natural England be protected under this arrangement if it is agreed? What, if any, real independence would exist, were this new arrangement to be put in place? Where would Natural England stand in relation to the Government? It seems like the Government are not only setting the homework task but are also the sole person marking that homework as well.