Thank you for contacting me about environment protections in Investment Zones.

I am aware that work is being undertaken to prepare a bid for an Investment Zone in West Worcestershire and I am confident that this proposal will have no material impact on any existing environmental protections. Like you, I plan to follow this matter closely because I have voted to put in place strong environmental protections.

The Environment Act, which I voted for last year is already increasing environmental protections. Farmers are encouraged to take part in Environmental Land Management schemes which are intended to protect and enhance the natural environment. I also support the law committing the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

The Environment Act requires the Government to set legally binding targets in priority areas. The proposed targets include halting the decline in our wildlife populations through a legally binding target for species abundance by 2030.

Thank you for taking the time to contact me.