In 2025, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) launched an inquiry into whether the UK government's plans to tackle PFAS pollution are adequate. Drawing on evidence from scientists, regulators, affected communities, industry and environmental organisations, including CHEM Trust, the Committee recently concluded its inquiry and produced a detailed set of recommendations, … [Read more...] about Head in the sand: The UK government’s response to Parliament’s PFAS inquiry
UK Policy
The UK PFAS Action Plan falls short in addressing the crisis we face
This week, the UK government published its long-awaited PFAS Action Plan, setting out how it intends to respond to the growing crisis posed by the 'forever chemicals'. While CHEM Trust welcomes the government’s acknowledgement that PFAS pose a serious risk to human health and the environment, the plan, in our view, does not yet deliver the decisive action needed to protect … [Read more...] about The UK PFAS Action Plan falls short in addressing the crisis we face
Is the tide turning on the UK’s failure to regulate chemicals?
This week, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs published the 2025 Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), which sets out how the Government plans to restore England’s environment over the coming years. It contains a commitment that CHEM Trust has been calling for over several years: to align UK chemical regulation more closely with the EU’s. It also … [Read more...] about Is the tide turning on the UK’s failure to regulate chemicals?
Putting chemical pollution on the agenda at party conferences 2025
We were delighted this year to host events at both the Liberal Democrat and Labour party conferences, ensuring chemical pollution and the policy solutions needed to address it were on the agenda. First, we headed to Bournemouth for the Liberal Democrat party conference for our joint event with the Green Liberal Democrats, ‘Turning over a green leaf: how closer UK-EU … [Read more...] about Putting chemical pollution on the agenda at party conferences 2025
PFAS are forever: CHEM Trust’s fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in September
CHEM Trust will be hosting a fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool this year, ‘PFAS are forever: how do we address the pollution crisis threatening public health and the environment’. Sunday 28th September, 15:00-16:00 Outside the secure zone, RSVP for more details Focus of the event: PFAS, ‘the forever chemicals’ pollute food sold in UK … [Read more...] about PFAS are forever: CHEM Trust’s fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in September
Turning over a green leaf: how closer UK-EU collaboration would benefit the environment
This year, CHEM Trust will be hosting a fringe event at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference in partnership with the Green Liberal Democrats: ‘Turning over a green leaf: how closer UK-EU collaboration would benefit the environment’ will focus on what the changing relationship between the UK and the EU could offer in terms of better environmental protection. Sunday 21st … [Read more...] about Turning over a green leaf: how closer UK-EU collaboration would benefit the environment
Deregulatory proposals to UK chemical safety laws will remove vital consumer and environmental safeguards
Earlier this month, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) launched a public consultation on a package of deregulatory policy changes to chemicals regulation. If enacted, these changes will weaken vital chemical safety laws and increase the divergence between UK and EU chemical regulation. The proposals include changes to (a) the regulation of biocides, (b) the … [Read more...] about Deregulatory proposals to UK chemical safety laws will remove vital consumer and environmental safeguards
UK Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) launches inquiry into PFAS
CHEM Trust has submitted evidence to the UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) inquiry into PFAS – per and polyfluoroalkyl substances — also known as "forever chemicals” due to their extreme persistence. PFAS are a group of around 10,000 synthetic chemicals known for their heat, water, and oil resistance. They are used in products like non-stick cookware, … [Read more...] about UK Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) launches inquiry into PFAS
How should PFAS be dealt with in the UK? New NGO proposal launched
Today, NGO groups, including CHEM Trust, have launched a joint proposal outlining key asks to address the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS in the UK. Overall, the proposal highlights the need for the UK to align with the European Union’s (EU) comprehensive universal PFAS (uPFAS) restriction and explains how, whilst waiting for the uPFAS restriction to come … [Read more...] about How should PFAS be dealt with in the UK? New NGO proposal launched
UK committee recommends protective value for BPA 1000 times higher than the EU
BPA or bisphenol A has long been known to harm human and wildlife health by interfering with the endocrine system. European-wide studies show that people are constantly exposed to BPA. Health effects linked to the chemical are extensive, including chronic diseases such as breast and prostate cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Chronic diseases (also known as non-communicable … [Read more...] about UK committee recommends protective value for BPA 1000 times higher than the EU
