Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, has secured a motion to bring the Horticultural Peat (Prohibition of Sale) Bill before Parliament on 6 November. The proposed legislation aims to end the sale of horticultural peat by 2025, accelerating plans for an outright ban on peat-based products to protect the UK's vital peatland ecosystems.

Peatlands, which cover nearly 10% of the UK's land, serve as the country's largest carbon stores and play a crucial role in climate regulation. The Somerset Levels and Moors alone contain approximately 11 million tonnes of carbon, making them the second largest lowland peat reserve in England. However, over 80% of UK peatlands are currently damaged, largely due to peat extraction for horticulture, which is a primary factor in peat decline, particularly in Somerset.

In response to longstanding environmental concerns, Defra introduced a retail ban on peat in 2022, set to take effect by the end of this year. While the previous Conservative government proposed a complete ban by 2030, Ms Dyke's bill seeks to fast-track the deadline to 2025, a move welcomed by environmentalists but expected to challenge some in the horticultural trade.

Speaking on the issue, Ms Dyke said, "Both for the future of the planet, and our path to net zero, the destruction of irreplaceable peatlands simply cannot continue. Peat must stay in the ground, and our precious peatlands must be protected—that's really the heart of the matter."

Ms Dyke expressed her support for the horticulture industry, recognising that the transition to peat-free production would bring challenges but stating that the environmental urgency demands swift action. "Continuing in a state of uncertainty, while losing more of our precious peat bogs, is arguably far more damaging to the industry, our planet and our futures," she added.

A staunch advocate for nature-based solutions, Ms Dyke highlighted the Liberal Democrats' commitment to environmental policy, noting that they were the only party to pledge a peat sales ban in their manifesto. She said, "This bill's success would mean a huge step in the right direction toward that restorative goal."

Ms Dyke has a strong track record of support for agriculture and horticulture, promoting sustainable practices for farmers, food producers, and horticultural businesses. The proposed bill represents her continued commitment to balancing environmental preservation with agricultural interests, aiming to provide a secure and sustainable future for both.