PRIME MINISTER Sir Keir Starmer and his government must make nature a top priority, a coalition of environmental campaigners said today.

The groups, which include the National Trust, WWF, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Extinction Rebellion, have called on Sir Keir to address five major challenges to protect Britain’s environment and ecosystems.

They want new rules to make polluters pay for nature and climate recovery, an Environmental Rights Bill, an increase in home energy efficiency, support for active travel and public transport, and a transition to renewables.

Last month, the coalition joined forces to stage the Restore Nature Now march in central London during the general election campaign.

The groups said they will launch further actions as the new government settles into power, including a “mass lobby” of Westminster and the first UK nature conference.

WWF-UK chief executive Tanya Steele said: “We need new funding, new legislation and new ambition to restore a thriving natural world for people and wildlife and secure a future of clean water, clean air, healthy food and a stable climate.”

Extinction Rebellion’s Daze Aghaji said: “The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries worldwide and we know that drastic and radical action needs to be taken to halt harm and restore the natural world.

“The only way we can do the full restoration work is by making sure our decision-making structures are fit to address this crisis.

“This is why we need a truly democratic system which mimics the collaborative function of nature, one where everyone has a seat at the decision-making table.”

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said the government was “absolutely committed to restoring and protecting nature.”