Local MP Daniel Zeichner has pledged his support for stronger national action on the environment following the EU referendum vote.

Daniel Zeichner MP has signed a pledge to support UK action on climate change and defend the UK’s countryside and wild places. The pledge also calls on the government to ensure strong environmental standards following the EU referendum vote. It has so far been signed by over 65 MPs from across the political spectrum.

Daniel Zeichner MP said: “I signed the pledge because it is vital we put pressure on the government to stand up for the environment in the wake of the EU referendum. I don’t think anyone voting for Brexit was voting to harm the birds in their garden or our bees but now important safeguards could be under threat. The UK can and should be a world leader in dealing with environmental issues.”

The local MP recently organised an environmental summit on the response to Brexit in Cambridge.

Craig Bennett, Friends of the Earth chief executive, said: “People voted to leave the EU for a variety of different reasons but one thing is clear: it wasn’t a vote to weaken protections for our nature, wildlife and environment.  

“By signing the Pledge for the Environment, Daniel has shown that he understands how important it is that we help our wildlife and countryside to thrive and take a leading role in addressing climate change to create a better environment for us all.”

Dozens of our environmental rules in the UK, including those leading to healthier beaches, cleaner air, and the protection of marine environments and rare species -; from bitterns to butterflies -; started life as European agreements, although in many cases they were originally devised and drafted by British Ministers and officials.

The pledge was initiated by a coalition of 12 national organisations who are campaigning together to ensure that, when these rules are replaced, it is with new standards at least as strong as those set by the EU. This will ensure that the UK’s environment is healthy for all and our unique wildlife and countryside remain a national treasure.