Brexit would damage UK environment, say experts

Group including past heads of RSPB and National Trust believe EU membership has positive effect on Britain's natural habitat

Leaving the EU would be damaging for the UK's environment and quality of life, a group of academics and former high-ranking government officials has said.

"The case is clear: we will be better able to protect the quality of Britain's environment if we stay in Europe," said the group, which includes past heads of the RSPB, the National Trust, the Environment Agency and Natural England, in a letter to the environment secretary, Liz Truss.