Government must back Natural England say NGOs

Government must not undermine Natural England’s role as an independent voice for nature according to 41 green NGOs.

RSPB conservation director Martin Harper said: “government should empower Natural England to act as a critical champion of nature”.

Its role in commenting on changes to environmental regulations should be maintained, it must be properly funded and plans to give it a ‘growth duty’ should not go ahead, the NGOs say.