Zac Goldsmith loses environment role

Zac Goldsmith has lost his role as environment minister.

The change means he will no longer attend cabinet.

He is expected to keep his role at the Foreign Office as minister of state for the Pacific and international environment.

Downing Street had said the reshuffle was on pause during the period of national mourning.

Goldsmith is a close friend of Boris Johnson.

In his farewell letter to staff, he said:"“We have so much more to do to turn the tide here,” he said. “The UK is, after all, one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries. But if Defra [the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] continues to get the backing you need and deserve across government, you can and you will turn the tide.”

Lorraine Platt, co-founder of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation said: “Our government has always maintained that animal welfare standards will be maintained in any trade deals, but this is vitally important that this is honoured and that our farmers are not undercut by low-welfare trade deals. We have higher animal welfare standards here than many countries, so they cannot compete.”

“The UK is behind certain countries on ending cages and crates – that is something Zac wanted to do if he had stayed on. There is still a lot we could do on trade agreements. It is important to the public that animal welfare is advanced, and we hope the government recognises this and continues to uphold and improve our high standards.”

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