2 February 2023
Local MP welcomes new Environmental Improvement Plan

Jonathan Djanogly, MP for Huntingdon, has today welcomed the publication of the government’s new Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2023.

This follows on from the 25 Year Environment Plan set out five years ago, and areas of focus in it include achieving clean and plentiful water, managing exposure to chemicals and pesticides and enhancing beauty, heritage and engagement with the natural environment.

More specifically, the EIP commits the government to restoring 75% of the country’s water bodies to good ecological status. It also requires water companies to have eliminated all adverse ecological impacts from sewage discharges at all sites, including sensitive ones, by set deadlines.

A Significant Improvement Test and Environmental Principles Policy Statement have been published too, both of which will guide Ministers in their legal duties when formulating and implementing policy.

Commenting on the Plan, Jonathan said:

“Huntingdonshire is home to many spectacular areas of natural beauty and protecting them, both for the enjoyment of residents today and in the future, remains one of my top priorities.

“This is especially the case for bodies of water in Huntingdon, St. Ives and St. Neots, and the government’s new Environmental Improvement Plan is a welcome step in this direction.

“I know some concerns about water pollution remain locally, and the measures set out in this Plan, including legal requirements for water companies to ultimately prevent damaging sewage discharges, are ones that I have been pressing for in response.”