Baroness Jones of Moulsecomb today presented the Natural Environment Bill for its first reading in the House of Lords.  The proposed legislation is designed to:

• Protect biodiversity
• Ensure that people have access to quality natural green spaces
• Include the natural environment in education
• Places responsiblity on local authorities to develop ecological strategies.

“It is imperative that we begin to properly value and protect our natural environment, not just for the environment’s sake but for the health and wellbeing of future generations”, said Jones.  “Our collective natural heritage is at risk and Parliament needs to respond.  It is remarkable is that nothing like this Bill exists already.”

The full text of the Natural Environment Bill is available on the Parliament website.