New Minister for timber policy

Phil Woolas is the new Minister responsible for the UK Government's timber procurement policy. 

He took on the role in early July, when he became the Minister for the Environment, after the new Prime Minister's cabinet shuffle. He  replaces the previous post holder, Barry Gardiner.  In addition to forestry issues, his responsibilities cover climate change, energy, sustainable development. He is the Chair of Green Ministers.

Previously, Mr Woolas was Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, and has held roles including Government Whip and Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Mr. Woolas was most recently the Minister for Local Government at the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Before entering Parliament, he was Head of Communications at the GMB trade union (1991-1997) and previously a television producer for the BBC and ITN (1988-1990). He was President of the NUS from (1984-1986).