Environment

Nick believes that quality of life, environmental issues and sustainability must be at the heart of our politics.

As Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment Food & Rural Affairs before the General Election in May, Nick developed policies to boost conservation of wildlife and habitats, conserve natural resources such as water, and promote recycling.

Nick feels that politicians of all parties must work together to help tackle climate change. Predictions for the UK indicate that average temperatures will increase by between 2°C and 3.5°C by 2100. This could have huge implications for our biodiversity, economy and landscape.

He believes we must act now to protect our countryside and landscape, to conserve our wildlife and biodiversity, to prepare for environmental change and protect the eco-systems that sustain life on land, in our rivers and in our seas.

But concern about the environment is also very local. There are many problems which affect the quality of our environment and neighbourhoods in West Sussex.

The proposal for the extension of Horton Landfill Site not only represents a threat to the quality of life of local residents but graphically demonstrates a failure on our part to reduce the amount of waste that we produce and to increase the amount we recycle.

Vandalism, graffiti and litter aren't just the preserve of urban areas. Horsham District Council spends around £400,000 each year clearing up litter from roads, footpaths and public open spaces. In Arun, the bill for keeping the streets and beaches clean is around £1.3 million a year. Mid Sussex spends over £750,000 a year on street cleaning and around £25,000 a year to deal with fly-tipping.

Nick tries to minimise his impact on the environment where possible and has signed up to the 10:10 Campaign.

Here you can read Nick's news releases, speeches and articles on the environment.

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