Reading West MP, Martin Salter, has been appointed Vice Chair of the Labour Party by new Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Mr Salter will be one of six Vice-Chairs working directly to Deputy Leader Harriet Harman. He will be in charge of campaigning on environmental issues and will be working closely with the new ministerial team at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Harriet Harman said;

“I look forward to working with Martin Salter and his other colleagues in this high-calibre team of Party Vice-Chairs who are taking on a range of important challenges.”

Mr Salter has also been reappointed as Labour’s Parliamentary Spokesman for Angling and Shooting – a role he has held since 2002.

Martin Salter said:

“Concern for the environment is fast leaping up the political agenda and my job will be to coordinate the work of MPs, councillors and party activists with the work of ministers across the government on the environmental agenda. I will also be liaising with the green groups and voluntary organisations to engage them in the process of developing policy. My strong contacts in the world of angling, fisheries, water and wildlife groups will give me an excellent start in this new role.

My immediate priorities will be to press for an enhanced Marine Bill to incorporate the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review and possibly the recently announced proposals on improved public access to the English coastline. I also intend to explore ways in which young people can be better engaged in action to improve the environment and to promote awareness of climate change.”