Alliance MLA John Blair has expressed serious concerns after the UK government again delayed the long-awaited Environment Bill – legislation needed to redraw vital regulations following the UK’s departure from the EU.

Claiming the move amounts to nothing more than “dithering”, John said the delay will prevent crucial action to protect the environment, restore nature and tackle climate change moving ahead.

He added: “It is also further proof that Northern Ireland needs proper environmental governance and makes the need for independent environment agency more pressing. The Office of Environment Protection is not sufficient for Northern Ireland. We need the independent environmental protection agency as promised in New Decade, New Approach.

“Along with Alliance Party colleagues, I will continue to press on for a bespoke Environment Bill for Northern Ireland and legally binding targets on key issues such as greenhouse gas emissions; water quality and tougher restrictions on plastic pollution.”