Opposition parties challenge new PM and Environment Secretary, following WWT report
Opposition parties have issued a joint statement challenging the new Prime Minister and Environment Secretary to deliver a manifesto commitment to our natural environment, and ensure it does not get worse in post-Brexit Britain.
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, Labour’s Shadow Environment Spokesperson Rachael Maskell and Green Party MP Caroline Lucas issued the statement in response to a new Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) report which highlights the value of nature to our economy.
The report points to a Natural Capital Committee estimate that creating 100,000 hectares of new wetlands upstream from towns and cities could see benefit-cost ratios of up to 9:1, because wetlands can reduce flooding, drought and pollution damage. It asks the Government to provide an annual statement to Parliament on the value of Britain’s natural assets as part of its manifesto commitment to produce a “25 year plan for the environment”, which was postponed following the EU referendum.
The joint opposition parties’ statement reads:
“The UK’s environment is a natural wonder, sustaining our way of life and our economy. Preventing environmental damage – like wildlife decline, air quality, and climate change – needs a strong, long-term plan in the UK and international cooperation.
Political uncertainty following the EU referendum brings daunting environmental risks which, if unaddressed, could lead to irrecoverable environmental degradation in the UK.
Our environment must not be a victim of short-term political unrest. We must not abandon the environmental principles of internationalism and cooperation.
We call on the Prime Minister and Environment Secretary to commit to public consultation on a 25 year environment plan which:
- Sets out a strong, cross-Government environment policy, including long-term legally-binding targets for improving the UK’s natural environment.
- Enshrines the principles of sustainable development, the polluter-pays principle, site and species protection, scientific research, and multilateral environmental cooperation.
- Ensures that the UK’s environmental protection is not weakened by any change in our relationship with the European Union.”
Dr Richard Benwell, Head of Government Affairs at WWT, said
“It’s now critical that Government honours its manifesto commitment to a 25 year environment plan, or the consequences for the environment could be severe.
“The plan should show how the UK will lead the world on environmental protection, with clear provision for law and funding, especially for science and wildlife-friendly farming.
“This plan can no longer afford to be a pencil-pushing exercise behind closed doors—the Government should consult thoroughly and publicly to ensure we protect our wildlife and countryside, which is so important to millions of people across the UK”.
