HAMPSHIRE MPs have pledged to protect the environment following the decision to leave the EU.

Seven Hampshire MPs are among 145 that have signed the Greener UK ‘pledge for the environment’, committing to make the UK a green world leader.

13 environmental organisations, with a combined membership of around eight million, have united to launch ‘Greener UK’.

Organisations in Greener UK include Campaign to Protect Rural England, Greenpeace, Campaign for Better Transport, ClientEarth, E3G, Friends of the Earth, Green Alliance, National Trust, RSPB, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the Wildlife Trusts, Woodland Trust and WWF.

The pledge signatories include Romsey and Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North), and Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead.

Chief executive of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Debbie Tann said: “The natural environment of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight supports some of the best wildlife in Europe.

The Solent coast, our chalk rivers and our heathlands are internationally important and have enjoyed the highest levels of protection under EU law. As we prepare for Brexit, is vital that these precious places, along with the wider countryside and our soils, water and air, continue to be protected and enhanced – not only for wildlife’s sake but for our own health and wellbeing too.

I’m delighted that so many of our local MPs agree with the Wildlife Trusts that looking after the environment is a high priority.”