Nature groups rebuke Reeves for ‘cynical’ 11th-hour planning bill changes

The changes, promoted by Rachel Reeves, come as the planning bill enters its final stages. Photograph: Simon Walker/HM Treasury

Last-minute changes to the government’s planning bill have sparked a furious backlash from nature groups who have mounted an attack on the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, over her plans to remove environmental protections.

The changes to the legislation come as it enters its final stages before being signed into law.