Conservative Environment Network and MPs call for new approach to environment policy

The publication, put together by former environment correspondent, Rebecca Pow MP
Taunton Deane, in conjunction with the CEN, was launched by Secretary of State for the
Department of Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid MP. He emphasised
the fundamental connections between good environmental policy and positive outcomes.
Environment Minister, Therese Coffey supported the launch.

“Thinking differently about our environment” makes the case for weaving environmental
policy into areas such as housing, health, horticulture and justice amongst many others.
Working in this way can bring mutual benefits including for the economy. For example, in
building well-designed homes, we reduce their environmental impact and also cut bills; in
supporting our local green space we can improve health outcomes; and in encouraging good
horticulture we boost economic growth and enrich communities."

Director of CEN, Mark Holmes, said:
"Conservatives have a sound track record on the environment of which we can be proud. It
was a Conservative government who brought in the Wildlife and Countryside Act, created
the world’s largest marine reserve and been at the forefront of tackling climate change. The
views in this publication demonstrate that there is a very clear desire within the Conservative
party to build on this base embedding environmental policy into areas including housing,
health, justice and the wider economy. Polling consistently shows that the environment is a
high priority area for those who the Party have consistently under-performed with and I hope
they will explore these ideas further."

Rebecca Pow MP for Taunton Deane said:
“As our population continues to grow there will be ever increasing demand on our precious
land and natural resources. It is therefore more important than ever not to jeopardise the
very environment on which we rely for delivery of vital services. More significantly a
sustainable economic bedrock can be a catalyst for wider social equality to take root in our
lives and I am thrilled to see so many of my colleagues come together to support this
agenda. The environment must be at the heart of all we do not just because a healthy
relationship with our environment is valuable, but because of the untapped potential benefits
we’re missing out on. If we are to increase productivity and leave the environment in a better
state than we found it, then sustainability must be at the heart of everything we do.”

End

Notes for Editors:

1. The Conservative Environment Network is an independent organisation which advocates for conservative environmentalism and promotes conservative voices in environmental policymaking.
2. Please contact mark@cen.uk.com for more information and  Download a copy here: ‘Thinking differently about our environment’
3. Rebecca Pow MP is the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Environment Secretary, Michael Gove MP, and worked in journalism.
4. Other contributors to the publication were: Richard Bacon MP, Victoria Prentis MP, Helen Whately MP, Dr Matthew Offord MP, Andrew Selous MP, Alex Chalk MP, Neil Parish MP, Jo Churchill MP, Richard Benyon MP, and CEN's Interim Director Mark Holmes.