Social media users took to Twitter to react to the Government’s new 25-year environment plan unveiled in Theresa May’s speech at the London Wetland centre.
Caroline Lucas, leader of the Green Party, threw doubt on the sincerity of Theresa May’s speech saying it was a PR exercise to detoxify the Tory brand.
My quick reaction to the bits of the environment plan trailed overnight: 👍The PM making this speech is, in itself, significantBut☠️We know that the Tories are desperate to detoxify – and this is a way to try to do that. #25YEP
— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) January 11, 2018
Anna McMorrin, Labour MP for Cardiff North, was similarly critical and labelled the plan a strategy to “greenwash” the Conservative party.
The 25 Year Environment Plan lacks substance, is full of missed opportunities, weak proposals and no laws. A cheap attempt by @theresa_may at rebranding the Tories with greenwash. #25YEP pic.twitter.com/2nRsUzd1TP
— Anna McMorrin MP (@AnnaMcMorrin) January 11, 2018
However, the speech also drew praise from wildlife organisations who welcomed the Government’s renewed dedication to improving the environment.
We welcome the government’s further commitment to increasing protection of our irreplaceable #AncientWoodland. We need stronger protection for our ancient woodlands and #VeteranTrees https://t.co/wyVitTZp81 #25YEP pic.twitter.com/AdFKUsAPmP
— The Woodland Trust (@WoodlandTrust) January 11, 2018
Good news from @theresa_may as she announces plastic bag 5p charge in #England will be extended https://t.co/r4LYawA6hp#stoptheplastictide #25yearplan #25YEP pic.twitter.com/LwyddmyZoY
— MCSUK (@mcsuk) January 11, 2018
Other charities, such as the WWF and RSPB, welcomed the Government’s good start but pushed for faster action and stronger legislation.
It’s here – @DefraGovUK‘s new 25 year plan for the environment. It’s a good start, but we need faster action on single-use plastics. We’re calling for a ban by 2025 #25YEP https://t.co/8q45CDB4sC
— WWF UK (@wwf_uk) January 11, 2018
Good commitments in the launch of the #25yearplan, but lots more detail needed on how to deliver it. And lack of a commitment to legal underpinning a big gap so far. We’re off to read the plan itself and will post comments at https://t.co/yryspK0nRq. #25YEP Jeff & Robert
— RSPB (@Natures_Voice) January 11, 2018
Generally positive noises in #25YearPlan about enhancing and protecting the natural beauty of our landscapes, AONBs and National Parks. The rhetoric is there, but we’re keen to see aspiration turned into action. #25YEP https://t.co/Tc1pWxwhEz pic.twitter.com/69jFm4ovNe
— CPRE (@CPRE) January 11, 2018
Mrs May’s speech reportedly caused excitement for different reasons as bird watchers thought the media had come to film a rare bird.
Apparently twitchers at the venue where PM was this morning got excited about the cameras, thinking there was a rare bird in attendance
— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) January 11, 2018
Before giving the speech, Mrs May and Michael Gove went bird-watching with a group of primary school pupils.
Michael Gove doesn’t need binoculars pic.twitter.com/tgQVQGX9o3
— Elliot Wagland (@elliotwagland) January 11, 2018
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