Is it time for an environmental health all-party parliamentary group?
MPs are being asked to step up and give nature, biodiversity and pollution the same political instruments we offer beer, jazz and opera.
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health [CIEH] is calling for a new all-party parliamentary group [APPG] specifically focused on environmental health.
While bodies exist for Climate Change, Net Zero and Energy Studies, currently there is no APPG that focuses on issues including pollution events, biodiversity loss, nature restoration and air quality. All areas that have increased in significance over recent years, with many now tied to far-reaching Government policy.
There are also significant crossover with public health bills, such as Renter’s Rights, Water (Special Measures), and Tobacco and Vapes, all of which are currently moving through the parliamentary process.
MPs are now being urged to support the campaign to set up a new group, meaning the expertise of environmental health professionals will be more likely to help shape critical policy decisions due to the way in which the APPG system engages with specialists.
‘The move to create an Environmental Health APPG takes a step forwards today on World Environmental Health Day,’ said Mark Elliott, President of CIEH, in a press statement.
‘We know our members want to see environmental health on policy maker’s agendas. Our general election campaign and our work towards an APPG is part of our continuing commitment to achieve this,’ he continued. ‘We encourage as many members as possible to get involved and join us in this exciting pursuit.’
More on climate change and net zero:
UNISON gets behind international treaty to end fossil fuel use
8/10 business will fail in low carbon economy without transformation
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