Emma Hardy MP has been confirmed as the new Minister for the Circular Economy and Waste Crime.
Hardy, the MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, was elected to Parliament in 2017 and served as the Minister for Water and Flooding in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) between 2024 and 2026.
She remained as a Junior Minister in Defra throughout both Steve Reed’s and Emma Reynolds’ time as Environment Secretary; however, she has now been promoted to Minister of State in the department.
Earlier this month, Dame Angela Eagle replaced Reynolds as Environment Secretary as part of Andy Burnham’s first Cabinet as Prime Minister.
Previously, the responsibility for waste and the circular economy sat with the Minister for Nature, a position formerly held by Mary Creagh, who announced she was being replaced last week.
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management’s (CIWM) Director of Policy Comms & External Affairs Dan Cooke said CIWM looks forward to working with Hardy to help accelerate the UK’s transition to a more resource-efficient future.
“Having a Minister of State with a clear focus on waste crime within Defra’s circular economy agenda is a welcome step and a clear signal,” Cooke said.
“We now hope to see the imminent release of the much-anticipated Circular Economy Growth Plan, which should set out the strategic direction for our vital sector for the years ahead.”
The UK government has said it intends to publish its delayed Circular Economy Growth Plan ‘soon’, but has not given a firm publication date.
The Plan was originally expected to be published in October last year but has been delayed.
Cooke continued: “CIWM will continue to support the UK Government in progressing the circular economy agenda to drive greater resource efficiency, and to deliver the economic growth, investment, and job opportunities our sector can offer.”
“We will also continue to support government, the Environment Agency, regulators and partners in tackling serious and organised waste crime, targeting the criminals profiting from illegal activity, undermining our sector, causing misery and anxiety in communities, and damaging local economies and environments.”
“There is still much work to do, and CIWM and its members continue to drive towards higher professional standards in the resources and waste sector.”
Defra announces new Director of Circular Economy
Defra also announced that Becky Shrubsole commenced her role as Director of Circular Economy this month.
Shrubsole has worked across government and previously held senior roles in Defra and, before that, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG).
Defra said her cross-government background, which covers both environmental policy and communities and local government, makes her ‘exceptionally well placed’ to drive forward the circular economy agenda.
“We very much look forward to the leadership and fresh perspectives she will bring to this important area of work, and we hope you will join us in welcoming her to the role,” Defra said in a statement.
