CIEH Praises Environment Secretary for New Bill but Questions Remain

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), has welcomed the new Environment Bill and praised the Environment Secretary, Michael Gove for being a catalyst for action.

Earlier today the Prime Minister announced that a new Environment Bill is to be brought forward. The Bill, the first of its kind for 20 years, is designed to build on the Government’s 25 Year Plan for the Environment and meeting its long-stated commitment to leave the environment in a better place for the next generation.

Tony Lewis, Head of Policy at CIEH, said:

“This is a promising step, and something tangible to back up the warm words we have consistently heard about the Government’s intentions on the environment. Michael Gove specifically has been an impressive driver of action within DEFRA, and we are pleased to see some substance as a result of his efforts. 

However, we must not get carried away. This is just a commitment, and true value of this bill will only become apparent when more details are known. Will it begin to address vital issues such as the air quality crisis, plastic pollution, or sustainability? 

Meeting those necessities will be the defining test of whether this bill is worth the paper it is written on.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

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About the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH): 

CIEH is the professional voice for environmental health representing more than 8,000 members working in the public, private and non-profit sectors. It ensures the highest standards of professional competence in its members, in the belief that through environmental health action people's health can be improved. 

Environmental health has an important and unique contribution to make to improving public health and reducing health inequalities. CIEH campaigns to ensure that government policy addresses the needs of communities and business in achieving and maintaining improvements to health and health protection.  

For more information visit www.cieh.org and follow the CIEH on Twitter.