Garry Graham, Prospect deputy general secretary, said:

"The government may talk a good game on biodiversity but the reality is that they have cut funding and resources for environmental protection since 2010, and this is only likely to get worse with Brexit.

 “The Chancellor’s commitment to biodiversity and the environment is admirable but without adequate financing for Natural England, the regulator responsible for protecting biodiversity in the UK, it is worthless.

“Cuts have left Natural England at the point where it’s workers are saying that they don’t have enough people or resources to do what they need to do.  If the Chancellor really wants to protect biodiversity and support local communities in the UK he should make it clear that regulators will be given the funds necessary to do their job.”

Ends

Note to editors

Learn more about Prospect’s Standing up for Natural England campaign and read our report: https://www.prospect.org.uk/campaigns/natural-england