Labour says UK nature under threat and pledges to halt decline

The view over Grasmere in the Lake District. Steve Reed says protecting the natural environment is a top priority. Photograph: Dave Porter/Alamy

Labour has pledged to halt the decline of British species and protect at least 30% of the land and sea by 2030 if it is elected.

Steve Reed, the shadow environment secretary, also vowed to set a new land use framework that would prioritise the protection of nature, and to deliver on targets to improve the UK’s environment.