Devon MP writes to Energy Secretary over threat to nature laws
The MP for Honiton & Sidmouth has written to the Energy Secretary to demand that the Government thinks again on weakening laws to protect nature, in pursuit of development.
Richard Foord, who has also signed an Early Day Motion, on retaining the Habitats Regulations is concerned about the Prime Minister’s suggestion that proposals in the nuclear regulatory review might apply to sectors beyond the nuclear industry.
The Prime Minister’s statement has triggered a nationwide campaign by the wildlife trusts, including Devon Wildlife Trust, to head off threats to the most sensitive natural landscapes and marine areas in the country.
In a letter to the Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, Ed Miliband, Mr Foord wrote: “Before the election, protecting nature was something that the Labour leadership appeared completely committed to. But their rhetoric since taking power has been dismissive of the natural world, even going as far as to blame nature for blocking growth, which is complete nonsense.
“In my own constituency, the Habitats Regulations (under the designation of Special Areas of Conservation) protect a number of locations that support rare species, marine life or plants.”
These places include:
- Beer Quarry Caves and the surrounding area
- The East Devon Pebblebed Heaths (specifically Aylesbeare Common and Venn Ottery Common)
- Lyme Bay
- The River Axe catchment
Glenys Stacey, chair of the Office for Environmental Protection told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme last month that the UK government was failing most of its nature targets.
Mr Foord added: “The UK has already lost more biodiversity than any other country over the last few decades. Now is the time to invest in protecting our natural world, not to weaken the only laws that protect it.”
“Allowing the natural world to be neglected in this way will only benefit a handful of developers who can cut costs by bending the rules in future.”
