Sarah Newton MP met with young people from across The Wildlife Trusts at a Parliamentary reception on Wednesday 14th November to hear their views on the natural environment.
The event highlighted the urgent need for an ambitious Environment Bill to ensure nature’s recovery. Such legislation would not only establish new environmental targets and introduce a strong green watchdog but would also drive the creation of Nature Recovery Networks. These would better protect and join-up important places for wildlife and to ensure everyone, whatever their background, has access to wildlife-rich natural green space.
Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts said:
“Young people are a vital part of our movement and increasingly active in calling for change. They believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature during their school lives and should have opportunities to work in environmental jobs. They also want to guarantee a more positive future for our natural environment.
“The quality of life for future generations will depend on securing an ambitious new Environment Bill. This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to build a wilder, healthier and happier future – putting nature into recovery and ensuring everyone has access to wildlife.”
Sarah Newton MP said:
“I was delighted to learn the views of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, not least the views of the young people involved with them. Often their contact with nature has had a lifechanging impact. I was particularly encouraged by the clear passion young people show towards the environment.”
“Nature provides us with many things and we owe it to the next generation to leave them a greener future full of wildlife.”
“The environment and its protection has continued to be one of my utmost priorities, and with the UK exiting the EU, that will not change. The manifesto on which I and all Conservative MPs were elected last year also promised that we should be the 'first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we inherited it.'”