Rishi Sunak gives boost to nature ahead of COP28 climate summit
The Government has unveiled a number of new measures in a package to boost the UK's countryside.
Rishi Sunak has pledged to boost Britons’ access to nature ahead of a UN climate change conference this week.
The Prime Minister unveiled a fresh package of measures which he hopes will inspire more children to get outdoors and enjoy the great British countryside.
He said: “I shared in the nation’s profound sense of anger in response to what happened at the Sycamore Gap earlier this year, but the public’s outrage fundamentally demonstrated just how much love the British people have for the natural world.
“From Yorkshire’s historic rolling moors to ancient rainforest on the Cornish coast, we are home to many globally significant landscapes. We must do all it takes to protect these much-loved spaces and ensure that love for the natural world continues into the next generations.
“As I head to COP28, we are reasserting the UK’s leading role in promoting our iconic landscapes and keeping nature at the centre of our action to tackle climate change.”
The Daily Express Green Britain Needs You campaign has called for people to make more space for nature.
The new package of measures includes launching a search for a new National Park, 34 new landscape recovery projects, new forests and funding to help more children get outside.
The hunt for a new National Park – a manifesto commitment – will begin in the new year.
The Government said this will be focused on looking for England’s most beautiful nature spots.
A new plan to recover England’s temperate rainforests will be backed by £750,000 of funding.
Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust said: "As world leaders head to Dubai for the Climate Change Conference, I am pleased to see that restoring nature is high on the Prime Minister’s climate action agenda.
"A healthier environment here in the UK will protect all of us from climate shocks, help reduce carbon emissions, and bring back wildlife and landscapes that are such a strong part of our national identity.
“I also support efforts to increase access to nature - which can do so much to improve people’s health and wellbeing – and I look forward to working with Ministers as they develop their plans."
Rishi Sunak and King Charles will make their way to Dubai this week for COP28.
The Monarch will give the opening address of the summit on Friday - his first major climate speech since becoming King.
