It's not asking the earth for independent watchdog to fill EU gap

Michael Gove must deliver on his promise to give 'the environment a voice' to ensure short-term politics do not interfere with the natural world

Michael Gove has raised the stakes for those of us determined to see a world-class environment for the UK. The environment secretary has vowed that the government will establish a "new, world-leading body to give the environment a voice and hold the powerful to account, independent of government and able to speak its mind freely".

MPs will debate this new institution during the next stages of the withdrawal bill in parliament on Tuesday and must ensure Gove's promises are turned into legally binding commitments.