Protecting the Environment

Stephen supports Global Ocean Treaty.

I believe firmly in protecting our natural environment. To this end, I recently supported campaigns in Parliament to (1) consider the environmental impact of the Lower Thames Crossing project on the rurality of Thurrock, (2) get microplastic filters in our washing machines to protect our water supply, and (3) get the UK to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty to ensure that countries around the world put legally-binding commitments in place.

Overall, I am extremely proud of the UK's record. We've increased renewable energy enormously and we have some of the most stringent legal commitments to environmental protection in the world. Here are some of our achievements in detail:

  • The UK has cut emissions faster than any other major economy. Britain is the first major economy to have HALVED emissions since 1990. This is compared to 41 per cent in Germany, 23 per cent in France and no change at all in the USA. 

  • Britain now possesses the second biggest offshore wind capacity in the world after China - thanks to the Government's Contracts for Difference scheme.

  • Britain can now source over 45% of its electricity from renewable sources (as of 2023).

  • Britain became a global leader in ocean protection with 38 per cent of UK waters in Marine Protected Areas.

  • There have been over 15 million trees planted with Government backing. This is nearly 13,000 hectares of new woodland in England and the area of woodland in England now stands at 10.2 per cent, three thousand hectares more than 2021/22. A further £750m has been put towards tree planting and peatland restoration beyond 2024.

  • Six new Nature Recovery Projects have been launched. These projects, supported by £7.4 million of funding and amounting to 176,000 hectares of land across England, will create improved and better-connected habitats for wildlife and improve public access to nature. They will help to manage flooding and wildfire risks, improve carbon stores and build diverse habitats for wildlife. These projects will also help to achieve the Government’s pledge to protect 30 per cent of UK land and sea for nature by 2030.

We can, and I believe we will, be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we inherited it. I want to achieve this ambition in Parliament and locally in South Basildon and East Thurrock. 

News

Stephen Metcalfe MP supports campaign to stop microplastics polluting our water

On 21 February, Stephen joined the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Microplastics and the Women's Institute to support their campaign to get fibre capture filters in washing machines. We’re increasingly hearing how microplastics are being found in the human body - in blood, hearts, lungs and even

Stephen Metcalfe MP Presses the Government on Climate Change

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, spoke at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Questions today to ask what steps the department are taking to ensure climate goals are delivered when speaking with Foreign Governments – link

Stephen Metcalfe MP helps Save ‘Page Woods Piggy’

Stephen Metcalfe MP has stepped in to save the ‘Page Woods Pig’ which was abandoned in Page Woods, Basildon. Following his intervention, the RSCPA will soon take over care for the pig which currently resides in Bowers Gifford, Basildon.

Stephen Metcalfe MP: Laindon Shopping Centre Demolished

Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock, attended the demolition of Laindon Shopping Centre – the latest milestone towards delivering ‘Laindon Place’. The aim is to transform the centre into a thriving new high street for the local community.