Island MP Bob Seely has welcomed government plans to consult on a new independent body to uphold environmental standards in England after Brexit.
Groups and campaigners will get a chance to frame a world-leading statutory organisation to give the environment a voice and hold the powerful to account.
“This announcement is good news and will allow us to make the best use of existing EU law and then improve on it,” said Bob.
“We now have the chance to set the gold standard for environmental science and become a home to centres of environmental excellence ensuring we deliver a Green Brexit.”
Currently, UK environmental decisions, such as improving air and water quality to protecting endangered species, are overseen by the European Commission but this will end in 2019 when the UK leaves the European Union.
The proposed consultation on the statutory body will also explore the scope and content of a new policy statement to ensure environmental principles underpin policymaking.
The consultation is likely to start by early next year