Basingstoke's MP vowed to protect the River Loddon at an event held in parliament to discuss chalk streams. 

Maria Miller collaborated with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to host an event in parliament for MPs to discuss ways to protect chalk streams. 

Only 200 chalk rivers are known globally, of which 85 per cent are found in the UK in southern and eastern England. Classic examples include the River Itchen, which runs through Hampshire.

Mrs Miller said: ‘’It was a pleasure to host the chalk streams event in parliament. These streams play house a diverse range of plant and animal life, much of which is truly unique to Britain."

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The River Loddon, which flows through the town, is said to be healthy with good biodiversity. 

Mrs Miller said that in a recent meeting with the Environment Agency, it had confirmed that the health of the river has greatly improved over the past decade, as evidenced by the abundant plant and animal life.

She added: "However, there is always more to do, and we must continue to hold water companies to account to ensure standards only improve. 

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"New legislation brought forward by the Government through the Environment Act will bring down chemical and phosphate consent levels in rivers across the country. The Loddon is due to have the lowest possible levels, reflecting its status as a rare chalk stream and also the delicate nature of the ecosystems that it hosts.

"This event provided a brilliant opportunity to bring together wildlife organisations and MPs to discuss what further actions can be taken to protect our chalk streams.

"The upcoming Local Nature Recovery Strategy, being orchestrated by Hampshire County Council, provides one such opportunity, as does Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s new local plan. I will be working hard to ensure the River Loddon is front and centre in both cases.’’