Local MP Zac Goldsmith has pledged his support for stronger national action on the environment following referendum vote
Zac Goldsmith MP has signed a pledge to defend the UK’s countryside and wild places, and support UK action on climate change. The pledge also calls on the government to ensure strong environmental standards following the EU referendum vote. It has so far been signed by over 65 MPs from across the political spectrum.
Zac Goldsmith MP said: “I signed the pledge because I want government to stand up for the UK’s nature, and I hope my colleagues across parliament will join me. In the wake of the referendum it’s vital for us to reassert the importance of a clean, green and healthy environment – whether that is in my constituency of Richmond Park and North Kingston, across the UK or overseas. The UK can and should be a world leader in dealing with environmental issues.”
Ben Stafford, Head of public affairs at WWF, said: “Following the vote to leave the EU, the UK should have the ambition to set the highest environmental standards in the world. By signing the Pledge for the Environment, Zac Goldsmith MP has shown that he understands that a healthy environment is critical to a successful future for our country.”
Dozens of our environmental rules in the UK, including those leading to healthier beaches, cleaner air, and the protection of marine environments and rare species – from bitterns to butterflies – started life as European agreements, although in many cases they were originally devised and drafted by British Ministers and officials.
The pledge was initiated by a coalition of 12 national organisations who are campaigning together to ensure that, when these rules are replaced, it is with new standards at least as strong as those set by the EU. This will ensure that the UK’s environment is healthy for all and our unique wildlife and countryside remain a national treasure
The full text of the pledge signed by Zac Goldsmith MP is below:
Pledge for the Environment
I believe that following the EU referendum, the UK government, working with administrations in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh, must build a healthy and prosperous future for all.
This means a thriving natural world on land and at sea, clean air and water, communities connected to nature, and a sustainable economy.