IEMA members want the next government to ensure the implementation and enforcement of environmental standards once the UK leaves the EU.
In a poll of members last week ahead of the general election on 8 June, 97% agreed that the government should prioritise resolving the environmental and health effects linked to air pollution.
Almost half (45%) of the 669 members who responded said curbing air pollution was so important it should be considered a cross-departmental priority led by the prime minister.
Some 96% of respondents supported the implementation of a circular economy strategy in the UK. More than half believed this must reflect a UK-wide understanding of the circular economy, but should not be constrained by the approach being taken by the EU.
Some 93% expressed a high level of support for the whole body of EU environmental law continuing to have effect in the UK after Brexit, with 96% wanting the government to include environmental protection in future trade deals.
Other findings of the survey:
- 97% said the next government should ensure sustainability is included in learning activities for the existing UK workforce;
- two-thirds said that national needs must take priority on major infrastructure development where there is conflict between national and local issues;
- more than 92% backed alternatives to GDP to measure how society is performing;
- 81% said the UK must retain the UN international development aid target 0.7% or more of GDP; and
- 99% called for cross-party support for a long-term sustainability agenda.
Martin Baxter, IEMA’s chief policy advisory, said: ‘As we make plans to leave the EU, high environmental quality standards must be maintained, enhanced and consistently enforced and used to create the conditions to support UK business exports.’
The UK’s sustainability experts must be heard, he said, adding that IEMA looked forward to working with the next government to protect the country’s future reputation and performance on sustainability.
