Nature site targets 12 years behind - Baker

A report by English Nature on the condition of England's Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's), published today (Monday 15th December), reveals that 42% of sites are in need of repair or improvement.

The Government has set a target of 95% of these special nature sites to be in a favourable condition by 2010. Liberal Democrat analysis of the report's findings shows that, at the current rate of improvement, the Government will miss its target by 12 years.

Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, said:

"This is yet another environmental target the Government will miss, along with cutting traffic, lowering emissions and reducing waste.

"I congratulate English Nature on these findings, but fear it is critical reports like these that have led the Government to recommend its abolition.

"The Government is quite simply not taking the environment seriously. Under Labour these nature havens are Sites of Seriously Suspended Investment."