Anglers Against Pollution

28 October 2025

Breaking news – House of Lords backs chalk streams amendment

The House of Lords has supported the amendment by the Bishop of Norwich to provide greater protection for chalk streams in the controversial Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Rejecting the government’s assurance that they are providing protection, the Bishop of Norwich said: “I am not convinced by [the government’s] arguments; … Amendment 94 seeks to protect chalk streams, this precious habitat which we are the custodians of. It aims to restore biodiversity and create a planning system that works with nature, not against it. At present, I am afraid, the Bill before us fails to do this for chalk streams.”

This is a big opportunity for the government to move forward with strong measures to make sure these globally important rivers are properly protected as the government delivers its growth agenda, including house building and infrastructure improvements.

Stuart Singleton-White, Head of Advocacy at the Angling Trust said: “In rejecting the chalk stream improvement plan put forward by the previous government, this government claimed they would do more to protect chalk streams. This amendment does exactly that. The test for the government is now to accept it and not seek to remove this increased protection when the Planning and Infrastructure Bill returns to the Commons.”

Once it has completed its stages in the House of Lords, the Bill goes back to the Commons where the changes made in the Lords are reviewed. The government can reject those changes at that point. Campaigner for improved protection for chalk stream, including the Angling Trust, will be working to stop this happening. Now is the time to write to your MP and ask them to support the chalk stream amendment.

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