Brexit could wreck green agenda, says UN

UK's 'reputation could suffer if environmental protections are weakened after leaving EU'

The United Nations has warned the government that Britain's reputation is at risk over plans that would significantly weaken protections for the environment after Brexit.

In a stern intervention, Erik Solheim, executive director of the UN's environment programme, called on the environment secretary Michael Gove to honour his promise to deliver a "green Brexit", ensuring the environment would not suffer from Britain's EU departure.