WHILE it has not yet dominated the headlines, the issue at the crux of the crucial decision on the UK’s EU membership is around the protection of our environment.

Only a vote to remain in the EU will maintain and improve our environmental protection, where cross-border collaboration is essential.

It is likely that some of our most important environmental legislation based on EU laws, such as the Habitats and Bird Directives, would go if the UK left the EU.

The hostility of Leave campaigners to common European laws which protect our environment is evident in media reports.

Challenges like air pollution, sewage in the seas and threats to migrating species don’t queue up politely at national borders, waiting for their passports to be checked.

Indeed, if we didn’t have the EU to bring together countries to work on these issues, then we’d have to invent it all over again.

In every corner of Britain, our EU membership is protecting the environment, wildlife and green spaces.

Towns and cities blighted by air pollution are finally seeing our government forced to act to cut the amount of dangerous particles we’re breathing.

Precious habitats and species are protected by tough EU laws which help stop the overzealous development of the countryside.

Our beaches – many of which were too filthy to enjoy not so long ago – are now cleaner, and our oncepolluted seas and rivers are safer to swim in too. Young people enjoy a cleaner environment than their parents did at their age.

But Brexit risks all of this progress.

Greens appreciate that the EU is not perfect, and are campaigning for a better Europe. If you are someone who cares about the environment then the evidence for a ‘remain’ vote is indisputable.

STEVE DAWE Oxfordshire Green Party Bulan Road, Oxford