THE RSPB is calling on MPs and the public in Devon to respond to what they call ‘an unprecedented attack on nature and the laws that protect it by the UK Government.’

The RSPB says that the Government is intent on amending or scrapping crucial environmental laws, including the Habitats Regulations, which protect some of the most vulnerable wildlife and green places across England. Similar regulations that ensure clean water, beaches and rivers are also under threat according to the charity.

The charity has also voiced environmental concerns over government plans to create at least 38 ‘investment zones’ in the UK, some of which may stray into wildlife refuges and National Parks. Additionally, there are rumours that the government may scrap schemes that would have supported farmers and landowners to enhance nature, create space for rare species and habitats, and use their land to absorb carbon and work towards net zero.

Jeff Knott, the RSPB’s director of policy and advocacy, said: ‘One of these three government actions alone would be a disaster – taken together, in such quick succession, with no debate or scrutiny, amounts to one of the most brazen attacks on nature we have ever seen.’