24th June 2016
In response to the outcome of the UK EU referendum today, Steve Lee, Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, said:
“The decision for the UK to leave the EU is not what most CIWM Members, or many environment sector professionals, have said they wanted. While it was conspicuously absent from the respective referendum campaigns, there is no hiding from the fact that EU membership has been a strong positive force for the quality of our environment and the associated benefits for our health, well being, jobs, skills, growth and general sustainability.
“Stepping out of the EU brings financial, policy, legal and performance uncertainty which may well threaten a slow-down or reversal of the improvements we have enjoyed in recent years. As sustainable resources and waste management professionals, as an Institution, and as an industry we must now work together to build on what has been achieved to date. This will require leadership, determination and an industry ready to work with Governments – of whatever flavour – to protect what we have and to drive for further improvement. More than ever now, we need forward looking strategies across the UK to support investment and performance in this sector.”
“As far as this Institution is concerned, there has never been a more important time for our industry to work together and to use our body of knowledge and expertise to help influence and deliver a new environmental vision for our country.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Press contact:
Pat Jennings Head of Policy & Communications Tel: 01604 620426 Mob: 07912 228260 E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk