Government's 10-point environmental plan will protect 'iconic' landscapes, says Boris Johnson

The Prime Minister said a 10-point environmental plan would protect England’s “iconic” landscapes.

The comments come ahead of the release of a blueprint for a “green industrial revolution” by the Government next week.

Lord Deben, chairman of the Committee on Climate Change, has called on Mr Johnson to “put into action” the Government’s plans for the future.

The former Conservative environment minister told The Independent: “It seems to me what characterises the Government at the moment is having the right ideas and determination to do the right things, but so far we haven’t had a programme and a plan of those things actually being put into action.”

Lord Deben said failing to act swiftly could end up being “much more expensive” as the UK attempts to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

He added the PM has “got it all to play for, but what he says and the distance he goes in this next speech will be absolutely crucial to the beginning of the credibility that we need”.

The Prime Minister has said £40 million of extra funding would go into the green recovery challenge fund.

The Government said the funding would be awarded “to environmental charities and partners across England to restore the natural environment and help make progress on the UK’s ongoing work to address the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, as part of our green recovery from Covid-19”.

It comes as the Financial Times reported Mr Johnson is set to announce the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars will be accelerated from 2035 to 2030.

Downing Street has said a “wide range” of projects would be announced shortly to receive funding “to enhance our natural environment and create and support thousands of jobs” and it will make more areas of the countryside into national parks to “better protect the country’s rich wildlife and biodiversity”.

The Prime Minister said: “As we build back greener we’re taking new steps to expand and enhance our landscapes – creating and retaining thousands of green jobs in the process which will be crucial to my ten point plan for delivering a green recovery.

“Britain’s iconic landscapes are part of the fabric of our national identity – sustaining our communities, driving local economies and inspiring people across the ages.

“That’s why with the natural world under threat, it’s more important than ever that we act now to enhance our natural environment and protect our precious wildlife and biodiversity.”

Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts said: “Investment in nature is crucial if we want to build a stronger, greener economy.

“The Government’s initial green recovery challenge fund was oversubscribed by almost 10 times, so additional funding to help tackle the nature and climate crisis is welcome.

“However, with nearly half of all species in decline in the UK, the Government must realise the colossal scale of the task and listen to calls for an additional £1 billion investment per annum, year on year, as part of the upcoming comprehensive spending review – this is desperately needed to kick start a decade of action for nature.”

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