Attack on nature - what it means for our future

by Clare Mahdiyone 

Along with many other nature and heritage organisations, we are concerned about changes that are being discussed in Parliament. Far from enhancing measures put in place by previous administrations in line with manifesto promises to end the UK’s contribution to climate change by 2050, the Government have altered laws and protections, leaving our wildlife and green places at risk from development.

The main changes about which people are concerned are:

The scrapping of crucial environmental laws that protect wildlife, green spaces, waterways, and beaches.

The scrapping of Elms, the farming-focused land scheme to incentivise embracing environmental protections such as enhancing land for nature and using land for carbon capture after our departure from the EU.

The creation of ‘investment zones’ across England and potentially the whole of the UK, which would encourage planning and building that bypasses laws protecting nature or green spaces.

What they’re saying…

RSPB “Make no mistake, we are angry. The new UK Government has launched an unprecedented attack on nature and the laws that protect it. We need to defend our vulnerable and vital wild places, now. Don’t let this happen in your name.”

Wildlife Trusts: “Make no mistake – we are also incredibly angry. We stand with @RSPBEngland in calling out the unprecedented attack on nature launched by UK Government over the last few days. We’ll be challenging this together and asking for our supporters to stand with us.”

National Trust: “We share the deep concern of our fellow conservation organisations during this critical moment for nature. We have been and will continue to help drive the national conversation until assurances are made for the protection of nature and history for generations to come.”

What we say…

We agree with other nature organisations and charities that taking these actions in the name of economic growth could harm our country’s landscape and wildlife, while also having a negative impact on global climate change – in direct contrast to the manifesto promises upon which the Government were elected. We call for an approach predicated upon sustainable practices, and we argue that such an approach will benefit our economy, as well as our communities and nature.

We suggest that if you are concerned, write to your local MP:

Siobhan Baillie MP Stroud;

Siobhan.Baillie.mp@parliament.uk

and Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown

MP Cotswolds;

CLIFTONBROWNG@parliament.uk