A National Trust boss has hit out at the Government’s latest plans that are going ‘in the opposite direction’ to supporting the environment. The organisation believes that the recent Investment Zones announcement made by new Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng on Friday could lead to harm for green spaces.
The director general of the National Trust, Hilary McGrady, believes that Environmental protections are dismissed as 'burdens' by the new government, ‘whilst investment and growth are pitted against nature and climate action’. Investment Zones aim to drive growth and unlock housing, with sites benefiting from tax incentives, planning liberalisation, and wider support for the local economy.
“The National Trust has a long history of standing up for nature and our countryside, from our founders' campaigns to protect the Lake District to Operation Neptune in the 1960s,” Ms McGrady said in a statement.
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“We've shaped and advocated for greater protections for nature and heritage throughout our long history, safeguarding the landscapes that make this country so special. It is this spirit that I am writing today.
“We are at a crucial moment for our natural environment. Nature is in decline and we need bold action on climate change.
“These concerns are shared by the public: poll upon poll show that further ambition on Net Zero and nature are widely supported. Rather than ramp up action to support our environment, this Government appears however to be heading in the opposite direction.
“Environmental protections are dismissed as 'burdens', whilst investment and growth are pitted against nature and climate action. The new Investment Zones represent a free-for-all for nature and heritage, yet we know that green spaces and beauty are vital to attract investment and for a good quality of life.
“Likewise a rumoured return to EU-style land subsidies will squander one of the biggest Brexit opportunities for nature, fatally undermining improvements to the nature, soil and water upon which sustainable food production depends.
“The Trust will always defend protections for nature and heritage, and we will respond in full to any proposals. The UK has led the way in recent years on environment action - from farm subsidy reform to COP26. We mustn't abandon this for our future's sake.”
The Government said their 25-Year Environment Plan sets out an ambition for a growing and resilient network of land, water and sea that is richer in plants and wildlife. They have committed to restoring 75 per cent of one million hectares of protected sites to favourable condition, securing their wildlife value for the long term.
A government spokesperson said: “Claims we intend to go back on our commitment to the environment are simply not right. A strong environment and a strong economy go hand-in-hand.
“We have legislated through the Environment Act and will continue to improve our regulations and wildlife laws in line with our ambitious vision. We want every corner of our country to prosper too.
“Bureaucratic processes in the planning system do not necessarily protect the environment so, by making sure we have the right regulations for our nation, we can make this happen.”
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