This election is crunch time for wildlife
The snap UK General Election on June 8th is happening at a crucial time for wildlife.
The next Government will have some big decisions to make for the UK’s natural environment – almost immediately.
Never before have the stakes for wildlife been so great. The majority of our environmental laws are currently wrapped up with our membership of the European Union; and so are some really key policies that affect wildlife - including agriculture and fisheries.
The rewards for making the right decisions would also be great: a UK which is a world-leader on the environment with clean air, clear water, a stable climate, healthy seas, beautiful landscapes and thriving wildlife. All this is fundamental to the well-being and prosperity of our own and future generations.
We know that there is huge popular support for wildlife and the environment from people of all backgrounds. In a recent YouGov poll, 80% of people said they think the UK should have the same or stronger environmental protection after it leaves the EU.
This is why the RSPB and National Trust in the South West have come together with Devon Wildlife Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust to present a united voice, speaking up for wildlife in the Westcountry at this election.
Together we believe that people are part of nature; everything we value ultimately comes from it and everything we do has an impact on it. We believe that each year, there should be more wildlife and more wild places, and people should become closer to nature.
The Westminster Government has a key role in making this happen, so the RSPB, National Trust, Dorset Wildlife Trust and Devon Wildlife Trust would therefore like to see all parties commit to:
1. Nature's recovery. To achieve this will require us to transfer all current EU environmental laws into statute in the UK and ensure they are policed, and in England, to enact an Environment Act that restores the ecology of our rivers, farmland, soils and cities.
2. Protection of our marine wildlife through a well enforced and complete network of marine protected areas in UK seas and sustainable fisheries policies.
3. New sustainable policies for our farmland to allow wildlife to thrive alongside food production. Taxpayer’s money should be invested in creating abundant wildlife, healthy soils, clean water, climate change mitigation and beautiful landscapes for the benefit of everyone.
It's time to take action!
You can help give wildlife a safer future. Across the South West in the coming days candidates will be talking to you on your doorsteps and in your streets.
You can let them know how much wildlife matters to you, and ask them what they plan to do to help it thrive. We’ve set out a few simple questions you can ask yourself and share with family and friends who share your commitment to the natural world?
1. What will your party do to ensure our wildlife laws remain strong and that steps are taken to restore the damage we have done to nature?
If you've got a bit longer, why not ask: Specifically for England, will you commit to an ambitious new Environment Act?
2. What will your party do to ensure that wildlife thrives in our seas once more?
If you want more detail, ask them: Will you make sure that more marine protected areas are designated and policed?
3. What will your party do to ensure we have new farming policies in each part of the UK to provide for nature’s recovery?
More specifically: Will you make sure that any payments to farmers are for positive environmental action?
4. What will your party do to make sure we move to a low carbon economy?
Please help make sure that all parliamentary candidates know how important nature is to the people of the South West. Please also spread the word about the importance of these questions using the hasgtags #GreenerSW and #GE2017 along with the web address GE2017wild.org
Let's make this General Election a wild one!
We're proud to be working together for the South West's wildlife:
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