I have received an enormous number of emails and letters from constituents with concerns about the environmental effects of Investment Zones as well as the protection of our natural environment more generally.
Recently, it was announced that the Investment Zones programme would be repurposed to centre on universities in left-behind areas, leveraging local research strengths and building clusters for new growth industries. This a change which I warmly welcome, as I believe it is through grassroots innovation that we drive development and progress. Recent history shows that with diseases to be fought, and global warming to be halted, the challenges we face are pressing. The first decisions on this change are expected just ahead of the spring budget.
More broadly, I am pleased that huge steps have been taken to protect Britain’s unique natural environment in the face of unprecedented challenges. To that end, the pioneering Environment Act was passed last year which included a commitment to halt the decline of nature by 2030. We remain entirely dedicated to this objective, and I want to be clear that we will never undermine our commitments to the environment in pursuit of economic or industrial growth. Any reforms introduced will quite rightly contribute to the growing of our economy in equal step with successfully meeting our obligations as part of the ‘25-year Environment Plan’ as well as reaching the legally binding environmental targets set under the Environment Act.
The UK’s international commitment to these targets is demonstrated by the signing of the ‘Leaders Pledge for Nature’. This, signed by 93 heads of state worldwide commits the UK to the protection of 30% of our land and ocean by 2030.
Additionally, a £640 million ‘Nature for Climate Fund’ has been announced to help preserve and enhance our natural environment. We will create a more sustainable farming system through our £270 million Food Strategy, cleaning up the air we breathe with a £3.5 billion clean air strategy and committing £3 billion to climate change solutions, protecting and restoring nature and biodiversity over the next five years. This is strong action to deliver on the commitments made to the environment and is work I am proud of. In addition, I was pleased to hear the announcement made recently by DEFRA that the proceeds from fines relating to discharge into streams and rivers would be reinvested into schemes that benefit the environment.
We are living through a period of change, but there is great opportunity ahead. Whilst we are seeking to grow the UK’s economy, allowing us to navigate out of tough times characterised by the pandemic as well as Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, commitments to the protection of the natural environment and the immense biodiversity in the UK will always be maintained.
I am determined that we move to protect and enhance our natural environment to ensure future generations will inherit a greener and cleaner UK. Please rest assured that I will continue to champion these issues both locally and in Parliament.