Putting the environment first

Constituents from Forest Row to Hailsham get in touch with me about a wide variety of issues, but the issue I am most contacted about is undoubtedly the environment and animal welfare. With the Ashdown Forest so nearby, my constituents and I are acutely aware how important it is to look after our environment.

People across Wealden have campaigned hard for better environmental protections and stronger animal welfare, and since I was first elected I have joined in these campaigns to pressure for changes that will make a real difference.

The Conservatives have been pushing the environment to the top of the agenda. We are committed to a cleaner, greener Britain, and one that respects and values animal welfare both at home and around the world.

A near-total ban on ivory sales in the UK will put us at the forefront of the global efforts to end the immoral and exploitative trading of ivory. With the numbers of elephants declining almost a third over the last decade, this is important action to take to protect one of the world’s most iconic species.

Another area we can help limit the damage we do to the environment is the use of plastics. Since the plastic carrier bag charge came into effect, we have used over six billion fewer bags than we otherwise would have done. This has been built on with a ban on microbeads, tiny pieces of plastics found in some cosmetics, which all too often end up in the oceans causing untold harm.

Alongside protecting the environment, I’ve also worked hard to push for greater animal welfare. In the coming months we will institute animal sentience into law, as well as an increase in the maximum sentences for people who abuse animals, from six months to five years.

I welcome these improvements which will help dampen the impact we have on the world around us. It is only fair for future generations that we leave the environment that is cleaner and greener than we found it.