Safeguarding our environment against overdevelopment, pollution and intensive farming is essential. Having grown up walking the South West Coast Path and swimming in our rivers and seas, I am very well aware of the area's beauty and the need to look after it.
I have been conscientious in my efforts to protect and look after our environment, from calling for brownfield site development first and working with farmers to encourage regenerative agriculture, to supporting community energy schemes and holding our water companies to account to reduce pollution. By working together, we can continue to reduce our carbon footprint and remain a global leader in tackling climate change.
I have also worked with the local community and key stakeholders to protect our sites such as Berry Head, where illegal fishing and antisocial behaviour threatened the UNESCO site, and Breakwater Beach in Brixham, which was at risk of development.