BRENT North MP Barry Gardiner has been appointed shadow minister for the natural environment and fisheries.
The politician, tasked with developing Labour’s plans for the natural environment for the next election and holding the current government to account, was previously minister for biodiversity in the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs between 2006 and 2007 and served as opposition leader Ed Miliband’s special envoy for environment and climate change from 2011 to 2013.
Mr Gardiner, whose appointment by Mr Miliband bags him a seat on Labour's front bench in the House of Commons, said: "In a time of economic hardship it is all the more important to understand that our national wealth is based upon our natural wealth. 
"Mining and forests, fresh water and fresh air, food plants and pharmacy plants, ocean fisheries, pollinators and  soil; these public goods are all part of the ecosystem services that sustain human life and human prosperity. “Yet they are under threat. We use nature because it is valuable, but we abuse nature because it is free."
Labour’s shadow environment secretary Mary Creagh MP said: "I am delighted to welcome Barry to Labour’s shadow environment team as we prepare for the general election.
"He brings a wealth of experience to the team, on biodiversity, wildlife and nature conservation."