A coalition comprising over 80 conservation groups has initiated legal action. challenge to force whichever party comes to power next month to strengthen government measures to conserve wildlife in England.
UK political parties vow to fight for nature
One out of every six species in the UK is currently facing the threat of extinction. The Conservative government has established a legally binding goal to stop the loss of nature by 2030. The National Trust, RSPB, and Wildlife Trust, among other organizations, have united to encourage politicians of all parties to commit to intensify their efforts in conserving biodiversity.
The major рolitical parties have pledged to stop the decline of species by 2030. The Labour Party revealed a new "plan to protect rural areas," which they claim will aid in the restoration of species populations. In response, the Conservatives stated that they also possess a clear policy on countryside protection. The Liberal Democrats pledge to double the amount of land under conservation protection by 2050.
A coalition consisting of 83 environmental organizations referred to as Wildlife and Countryside Link is seeking a legal review, contending the government has failed to review and improve the existing goals for England outlined in the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP). In January, an independent environmental watchdog (OEP) reported that the government was falling significantly behind on its environmental targets, and that only four of the 40 targets set for It was probable that the objectives set for England would be met . Richard Benwell, the CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, stated, "The time has come to put an end to the culture of disregarding environmental legislation."
He told the BBC: “ We have witnessed a prolonged decrease in wildlife populations and observe no indication that current policies are able to stop or reverse the decline. We need future governments to actively invest, change legislation and take action to truly begin to make an impact.
A representative from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated the department was unable to comment on the current situation.
The Secretary of State is not legally obligated to finish the EIP review until the end of January 2028.
Establishing environmental goals to stop the decline of species is a matter delegated to local authorities. The administrations of all four four countries have pledged to protect 30% of their land and sea for nature by 2030.
However, the heads of some of the UK's major environmental groups have joined forces to call on candidates from all parties to do more in the upcoming general election.
Strategies for protecting nature: Labor and Conservatives announce new measures
Hilary McGrady, the Chief Executive of the National Trust, highlighted the goal of stopping the loss of nature by 2030, saying: " Six years later, the UK remains one of the most resource-depleted countries in the world."
But she added that if the next government takes action "promptly and decisively" " the decline could be reversed. "We believe that the ecological crisis has reached a point where none of the political parties in their current state are taking the challenge seriously. Therefore, we are here to urge them to truly consider this and demonstrate their response," she told the BBC..
Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts, expressed disappointment in the "lackluster efforts" to achieve the legally mandated goals.
Becky Speight, CEO of the RSPB, emphasized the need for all political parties to collaborate in addressing the nature and climate crisis. Both the Conservatives and Labour revealed their strategies for nature protection on Friday. A spokesperson for the Conservatives stated that they have a " Definite strategy to safeguard our rural areas." They aim to safeguard 30% of UK land by 2030, drawing on their experience of establishing 100 marine protected zones and developing new habitats equal in size to Dorset.. Additionally, they plan to mandate new developers to preserve at least 10% more biodiversity. He highlighted that the 25-year environmental plan aims to create an additional 500,000 hectares of wildlife habitats, plant 40 million trees, and restore 35,000 hectares of peatland in England.These endeavors will be supported by the £640 million Nature for Climate Fund.
The Labour Party has revealed its new plan for rural areas, which includes several measures aimed at addressing environmental decline.
The party intends to establish additional "habitats rich in biodiversity," such as wetlands and peatlands, and seek private funding for the creation of three new national forests in England He also plans to establish a task force for tree planting to increase the number of trees across the UK. Additionally, a new Community Right to Buy will assist groups in converting abandoned land into new green areas.
Plans to protect wildlife: parties seek new approaches and budget solutions
The temporary permission for neonicotinoids, which are harmful to bees, will also be banned." Steve Reid, the Shadow Minister for the Environment in the Labour Party, stated that a future Labour government would protect and restore nature, conserving the picturesque countryside for future generations to experience and enjoy.
The Liberal Democrats claim to have a "credible policy" to double the amount of land protected and managed for nature by 2050.
Tim Farron, the party's spokesperson on environmental issues, emphasized the importance of doubling the amount of land protected and managed for nature. This would involve expanding critical habitats and doubling the number of species in those areas.
A detailed budget for the parties' plans to protect UK wildlife has not yet been formulated. A Liberal Democrat spokesperson emphasized that increased public investment would be necessary to manage land resources, restore habitats, and support environmental policies.
The SNP had previously announced its intention to halt the decline of biodiversity by 2030 the BBC has requested The SNP's comments on their current election policies regarding nature.
