Peter Ainsworth has been named the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management’s (CIWEM) Environmental Parliamentarian of the Year

President of CIWEM, Ken Shapland, praised Peter for his outstanding contribution to environmental understanding. This includes Peter’s current role as Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Groups for the Environment and Sustainable Aviation, and his past position as Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Peter has also introduced the Green Energy (Definition and Promotion) Bill to Parliament, is a Director of Plantlife International, and a Vice President of Wildlife and Countryside Link. In recognition of his work on the environment, Peter Ainsworth was awarded the Public Affairs News 'Politician of the Year' award in 2005.

Huw Irranca-Davies MP, Minister for the Natural and Marine Environment, presented the Award. He told the audience of Ministers, MPs, Lords and senior environmentalists that:

“CIWEM has chosen to recognise Peter’s long and illustrious parliamentary career and his dedication to environmental affairs. Peter is a passionate champion of the environment and a knowledgeable one too. He is vocal and continues to be active, not least through his ongoing work with Plantlife International and the Wildlife and Countryside Link. Peter’s dedication to green issues is an inspiration to all of his parliamentary colleagues across all the political parties and to the wider public too. CIWEM’s Environmental Parliamentarian of the Year Award shows how parliament is starting to have a track record in making a positive difference to the environment and I am delighted to present this thoroughly well deserved award to Peter.”

On accepting the CIWEM Environmental Parliamentarian of the Year Award, Peter said:

“I believe in politics enabling progressive organisations such as CIWEM to deliver solutions to our environmental challenges, and it is terrific to have my role recognised. I am absolutely delighted to accept what is a serious honour from a serious institution.”