North Herts MP, Sir Oliver Heald, has welcomed Michael Gove’s announcement that he is to consult on a new, independent body to uphold environmental standards when the UK leaves the European Union.
The Secretary of State has said that the environment will be placed at the heart of policy making and environmental standards will not only maintained, but enhanced. The new body will be placed on a statutory footing, ensuring it has clear authority.
The proposed consultation will also explore the scope and content of a new policy statement to ensure environmental principles underpin policy making.
Commenting Sir Oliver said, “At present, environmental decisions made in the UK are overseen by the European Commission. But once we leave we can enforce higher standards and develop new institutions which do a better job of protecting our environment. I hope that my constituents will contribute to the consultation when it is launched early in the New Year.”