THE government’s new pledge to protect the environment has been trumpeted by MPs, but others insist it does not go far enough.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson applauded the Conservatives’ plan to put Britain at the forefront of environmental innovation.

Prime minister Theresa May last week announced the government’s 25 year plan to improve the environment through a combination of creating richer habitats for wildlife, improving air and water quality and curbing the scourge of plastic in the world’s oceans.

Mr Tomlinson said: “We have always been a world leader in understanding and protecting the natural world but we recognise the environmental challenges that we face are acute.

“Many like me will have been captivated by the Blue Planet 2 series which provided a huge wake-up call to the urgency in doing all that we can to protect our oceans and marine life.

“I am very proud of the work that has been done so far, in particular the 5p bag charge and the ban on microbeads. But there is still more to do to tackle the terrible plastic pollution of our oceans.”

Tackling the issue of plastic pollution is at the centre of the plan, with the government pledging to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by the end of 2042.

But others accused the government of hypocrisy and sought to draw attention to other policies that may not be considered conducive to the environment.

Wroughton resident Talis Kimberley-Fairbourn, who will fight the South Swindon seat for the Green Party at the next general election, thought the proposals “lacking in urgency”.

She said: “These fine words are countered by this government’s continued relentless and wholly irresponsible support for Hinckley, for HS2, for fossil fuels in general, and for fracking in particular.”

She praised the desire to tackle plastic waste, but asked: “Where’s the scheme to insulate our ageing homes so that we’re no longer paying to heat the sky? Where’s the investment in public transport, safe walking and safe cycling? Where’s the massive investment in processing plastic recycling?”

The government hopes the 25 year plan will make the UK a world leader in environmental protection.

It will be focused on investigating the feasibility of an anti-poaching taskforce to tackle the illegal wildlife trade, committing overseas aid to help developing countries combat plastic waste, and extending the UK’s network of marine protected areas.

Plans are also in place to get children more engaged with wildlife, with £10m having been made available for school visits and a Nature Friendly Schools programme.

But Ms Kimberley-Fairbourn added: “I am unimpressed by this list of aims. If the government meant to act decisively they would have and could have done so much more.

“If they meant to pull green wool over our eyes, this would be the way to try it. Let’s not be fooled. This is not the change of heart we and those who will come after us need and deserve.”