Following the result of last night’s EU referendum, the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) has called upon the government to implement an equivalent or improved level of environmental protection and climate policy when negotiating Britain’s exit from the EU.

IEMA conducted a series of surveys prior to the vote backed Britain’s membership and also revealed that that 86% of respondents believe voters don’t have enough information on environment and sustainability issues.

Martin Baxter, IEMA’s Chief Policy Advisor said Britain’s decision to leave raised “significant questions” for businesses and the public on the issue of environmental protection policy.

He commented: “In the lead-up to the referendum, IEMA members were overwhelmingly of the view that being a member of the EU is good for business and good for the environment. There was a real concern that environment and climate policy risked being watered down if the vote was to leave. Environment and sustainability professionals will now look to the future with some sense of uncertainty.

“It is therefore essential that the government gives a commitment that, in negotiating the terms of the UK’s exit from the EU, an equivalent or enhanced level of environmental protection and climate policy will be implemented here in the UK.

“In establishing the UK’s future direction, Government must develop progressive policies for the UK to transition to a low carbon, resource efficient and sustainable economy which delivers real social value over the long-term. It must seize the opportunity to accelerate the transformational change needed to meet long-term sustainability challenges and provide a much-needed boost to UK jobs and productivity.

“An immediate test of the Government’s commitment to environment and sustainability lies in the adoption of the UK’s Fifth Carbon Budget. We urge the Government to adopt the independent Committee on Climate Change recommendation for a 57 percent emissions reduction, giving a clear and positive signal of its long-term environmental commitment.

Mr Baxter said that IEMA remained “committed to providing leadership and support to ensure that environment and sustainability are placed at the heart of decision making and that policies are in place to develop a sustainable economy for the future.”