Four candidates are vying to become Epsom and Ewell’s MP as the UK goes to the polls on June 8.

This week, the Epsom Guardian will be introducing the candidates’ views on health, education, the economy, the environment, and Brexit, as well as their local priorities.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling was the constituency’s most recent representative, before the dissolution of parliament relinquished MPs of their duties.

He will be defending a majority 24,443 against Labour candidate and train driver Ed Mayne, Liberal Democrat Steve Gee and the Green party’s Janice Baker.

Here are the candidates’ views on the environment:

Chris Grayling, Conservative

Your Local Guardian:

“We need to play our part in addressing global environmental challenges, continuing to develop green energy and changing the technology in the cars and Lorries on our roads to ensure that they emit less carbon dioxide and less NOx.

“I also want to see us protect the green belt and the character of our countryside, ensuring that necessary new development doesn't damage it.”

Ed Mayne, Labour

Your Local Guardian:

“We all need clean air to breathe, clean rivers and seas.

“I will fight to keep our current commitments as agreed with the EU to improve air quality and keep our seas and beaches clean.

“The report, which the government only published following a court order, shows how environmental standards have fallen since the Tories came to power.

“For all the hugging of huskies, the Tories can’t be trusted to protect our environment.”

Steve Gee, Liberal Democrat

Your Local Guardian:

“Britain needs to step up its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and ensure the global deal set in the Paris Agreement becomes a reality.

“We need real investment in renewables that will make us a world leader in green energy and create jobs and growth, and an end to the Conservatives’ cuts to solar and wind power.

“We must act now to guarantee our children and future generations a better, greener, more sustainable and positive way of life.

“That is why the Liberal Democrats have gone further than any other party in pushing for an ambitious new target for reducing our carbon emissions.

“We believe that net emissions must be reduced to zero by 2050 and have a plan of how to do it.

“As well as greener energy, we want to improve our countryside and green spaces so we pass them on to the next generation in a better condition than when we were children.

“That is why we have consistently defended the natural environment and introduced a 5p charge for plastic bags while in Government, despite Conservative opposition to doing so.

“Poor air quality is a significant health problem. After smoking, estimates suggest it is Britain’s second biggest public health challenge, and responsible for around 40,000 deaths every year. We will invest in green transport such as electric vehicles and phase out diesel.”

Janice Baker, Green

Your Local Guardian:

“Our target is to secure a safe climate and that means phasing out fossil fuel energy generation, banning fracking, and investing in a public programme of renewables to ensure cleaner, more sustainable energy suppliers without resorting to nuclear power.

"Urgent action to clean our filthy air means making polluting companies pay.”

What do you think? Comment below, or get in touch at craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk