Prime Minister announces historic plan for environment at London Wetland Centre
Prime Minister Theresa May and Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced the Government’s 25 year plan for the environment at WWT’s London Wetland Centre today.
The announcement arrives three months after WWT published Nature’s Way, its own report outlining practical proposals for the government, which included setting long term targets for restoring the natural environment, planning for nature in urban areas, and harnessing the benefit of being in the natural environment for improving human wellbeing.
WWT’s key recommendation is that the Government commit to a new Environmental Act that would hold them responsible for the country’s environmental performance.
WWT has welcomed today’s announcement as a statement of intent that sets the groundwork for a greener UK, whilst urging the Government to introduce a new Environment Act to give certainty to investors and environmentalists that the plan will be delivered.
WWT Chief Executive Martin Spray CBE said:
“WWT’s London Wetland Centre has shown how much is possible with a long-term vision to restore nature. We’re absolutely delighted that the Government has chosen to launch their plan for the environment here.
“Last year we set out our own proposals for this plan and the Government has clearly listened. This plan presents a new hope for wetlands and nature more widely.
“I would like to thank our supporters who responded to WWT’s Nature’s Way campaign last year and contacted their MPs in numbers.”
WWT Head of Government Affairs Dr Richard Benwell added:
“It’s fantastic that the Government has published its long-term plan to improve nature for the next generation. This is a great green signpost to a UK rich in nature. Now we need a new Environment Act with cross-party support to make sure that all Departments from Treasury to Transport follow DEFRA’s lead and the Government sticks to a greener path."
