The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has warned that England’s devolution plans could fail nature without new local powers and strong environmental duties.

The warning came at a Westminster event hosted by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP on Thursday January 8, as the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill continued its passage through the House of Lords.

The Bill sets out the framework for the government’s devolution agenda, which would create new mayoral authorities across England with increased powers and resources, including strategic planning and local growth.