The MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston welcomed the new Environment Bill on the Radio 4 Today Programme. The landmark new Environment Bill builds on the government’s action to protect the environment, which was clearly set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan. 

One of the fundamental provisions of the Bill outlines the establishment of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) - a new independent regulator to hold the government and government bodies to account, including through the courts of law if required.  

The OEP will examine government policy across all departments to ensure the environment is at the center of decision making.

The Environment Minister commented: “I welcomed the introduction of our new landmark Environment Bill in Parliament. This new Bill guarantees we keep – or raise – our environmental standards post-Brexit, and creates an independent body to hold government and government bodies to account in relation to those standards.”