John,

I made history in July when I was elected MP for the new constituency of Waveney Valley. The constituency spanning the Norfolk/Suffolk border is rural, combining wonderful market towns with beautiful villages and countryside, and my constituents are hugely proud of the wonderful landscape. Living in a rural area makes you very aware of the alarming scale of nature’s decline, and the need to protect and restore nature was a big issue in the election campaign.  

The environment is deeply important to the British people, yet the UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. We have signed up to legally binding targets to protect 30 per cent of land and sea by 2030, but at the current rate of progress, we will not reach that target until the next century. That’s why along with the other Green MPs, I am determined to prioritise nature action in this parliament.   

Adrian being interviewed by the media after his historic breakthrough - the environment was a huge issue in the Waveney Valley campaign (Pic: Joseph Casey)

So what is our plan? The Green Party wants to see much greater protection of nature in law. We would set up an Independent Commission for Nature that sets targets for nature protection and restoration, enforced through the courts. This will be a game changer, allowing for the first time for individuals and conservation groups to take legal action on behalf of nature and make polluters pay.

We would double the budget for nature friendly farming. Seventy per cent of our land is agricultural so it is clear we cannot restore nature without working with people who rely on the land. People and nature most thrive together. Farmers need easier access to nature-friendly farming funding, and we will work with environmental NGOs to press the Government for more support.  

Adrian and supporters at the launch of campaign to set up an Independent Commission for Nature and introduce a Rights of Nature Act to strengthen legal protection of nature.

Another must - keep fossil fuels in the ground. The climate crisis is accelerating the nature crisis. But Labour has just stumped up £22 billion investment for unproven carbon capture and storage technology, essentially an excuse for more oil and gas. Nature is one of the best forms of carbon capture. Imagine if we were to invest this in restoring our peatlands, wetlands and woodlands. The Government must be pushed to listen to the science and invest in the right place.

Nature action is a must, not a nice to have. With more leadership and ambition from the Government, we can turn the tide on nature decline. Along with Carla, Ellie and Sian, I will work tirelessly to make this happen. But we need your help. Unlike other parties, the Green Party doesn’t accept donations from lobbyists or organisations engaged in polluting activity which harms the planet. We are reliant on committed supporters like you. 
 

Please donate to support this crucial work.

Thank you so much for your support 

Adrian Ramsay 

Green Party Co-Leader 

Promoted by Chris Williams on behalf of The Green Party, both at PO Box 78066, London SE16 9GQ