Today further details of the Environment Bill were unveiled.
The Bill is the first in a generation that will legally underpin the restoration of nature and set binding targets for improving air and water quality.
I give my full support to proposals that will see a new independent Office for Environmental Protection established. This body will ensure the government, and future governments, are held to account on their legally-binding environmental targets. The Office will also monitor and report on government progress to end Britain’s contribution to climate change altogether by 2050.
The legislation will also make sure new houses are built and delivered in a way which protects and enhances nature, as well as providing communities a greater say in the protection of local trees.
Overall, this Environment Bill shows that enhancing our environment is at the heart of Government decision-making.
This Government has a proven record on tackling climate change, including the Conservative-led legislation to reach net zero emissions by 2050. I warmly welcome the creation of an independent Office for Environmental Protection to oversee progress on this pledge.
Legally-binding targets to tackle air pollution and improve water quality is an extension of our commitment to making sure the environment is left in a better state than when we found it. By championing nature-based solutions to these problems, this Bill really demonstrates our commitment to tackling climate change.
