Environment secretary Margaret Beckett today announced that Elliot Morley, who was previously the minister in charge of waste and recycling, has effectively become Mrs Beckett's deputy at Defra, focussing on climate change and energy issues.
”The UK's forthcoming presidency of the EU offers new opportunities for global leadership on agriculture, climate change and environmental protection. “
– Margaret Beckett
Mr Morley may well have some involvement in issues important to the sector with his responsibilities for sustainable development, business and the environment and the Environment Agency. He will also act as UK spokesman for the EU Environment Council during the UK's forthcoming presidency of the European Union.
Waste is being taken on by Mr Bradshaw, one of three junior ministers at Defra along with Jim Knight MP and Lord Bach of Lutterworth.
Announcing her new team, Mrs Beckett said: “The ministerial team and I are looking forward to the important challenges which lie ahead in delivering the priorities set out in Defra's Five Year Strategy. And the UK's forthcoming presidency of the EU offers new opportunities for global leadership on agriculture, climate change and environmental protection.”
“With commitment and determination we will continue to work for a better environment and quality of life for everyone,” Mrs Beckett added.
Bradshaw
Mr Bradshaw gains the official title of Parliamentary Secretary for Local Environment, Marine and Animal Welfare. He takes responsibility for local environmental quality, planning, regional and local government issues as well as waste.
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MP for Exeter, Mr Bradshaw is a former BBC journalist and graduate of Sussex University. First elected to the Commons in 1997, he became a Parliamentary Secretary in May 2002 and was appointed junior minister for nature conservation and fisheries in June 2003.
Mr Bradshaw is known to be very hard-working and has had some involvement in waste issues before, standing in for Mr Morley on occasion.
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