Following a Cabinet reshuffle after Angela Rayner’s resignation, Emma Reynolds has been appointed Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). The previous Secretary of State for Defra, Steve Reed, has been appointed as Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). 

Reynolds previously served as Economic Secretary to the Treasury, being appointed on 14 January 2025, and was elected as the MP for Wycombe in July 2024. Her previous work across government has given her a background in policy, financial oversight, and governance. 

Defra’s drive for clean air 

Part of Reynolds’s new role will be to continue Defra’s work towards clean air and promoting sustainable heating practices. This includes the ongoing implementation of the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 and work with local authorities to encourage the use of cleaner fuels and efficient appliances. 

Cleaner Safer Group, through HETAS and Woodsure, is uniquely positioned to support Defra’s objectives. From appliance certification and specialised solid fuel competent person training to Ready to Burn fuel certification and consumer education, our work underpins the safe, efficient, and compliant use of solid fuel heating. These combined efforts help reduce emissions and ensure households and businesses can make informed, responsible choices. 

What this means for industry 

This new appointment is unlikely to shift Defra’s approach towards clean air, and our work with Defra will continue and be unaffected. Installers, manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers should maintain compliance with current regulations and continue to prioritise certified products and professional standards. 

The Environmental Improvement Plan is due to have its rapid review published this year, which will guide our next steps towards cleaner air and the actions government intends to take. Cleaner Safer Group will continue to work closely with Defra to minimise emissions from domestic burning through certification, training, and education, helping the UK move towards to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment.