Green Party calls on Defra to publish 25-year plan for nature
11 April 2017
The Green Party has responded to news that the BBC has seen a leaked copy of Defra’s long-anticipated 25-year plan for nature. [1]
Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, said:
“With every day that passes, the need for a new Environmental Protection Act grows. We are in the middle of an air pollution emergency, 2016 was the hottest year on record. Species across the world are in decline, and valuable European environmental protections are threatened by Brexit.
“The need for a coherent plan for nature has never been greater and Defra should publish its 25-year plan immediately so the Government enters Brexit negotiations clear on what needs to be done to protect our environment.
“This is not a time for platitudes or shying away from what needs to happen. We need bold action not empty words. Defra’s report should be proposing how we can keep fossil fuels in the ground, make the UK a world leader in renewable energy, ditch diesel and give farmers the real support and help they need to look after their environment.” [2]
Notes:
1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39557565
2. More information about Caroline Lucas’ call for a new Environmental Protection Act: https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2017/02/14/report-environment-faces-cocktails-of-threats-from-brexit/