UK to launch new chemicals strategy

The UK’s Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said it will generate a new chemicals strategy that aims to manage substances sustainably and address barriers to reuse and recycling. The commitment was included in the government’s new Resources and Waste Strategy announced in December. The policy falls in line with the UK’s 25-year environment plan, published in January. Leaving the EU on 29 March next year is "an opportunity to refresh and renew" environmental policy, and "show domestic and international leadership", UK environment secretary Michael Gove said in the paper.