Introduction

Tory MPs have voiced their opposition to plans for a new national park in England, calling it "madness" and "rubbish." The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announced the search for a new national park ahead of Cop28, with the Chilterns, the Cotswolds, and Dorset being considered as possible sites.

Tories Express Concerns

The plans, which were part of the party's 2019 manifesto, have received criticism from several Tory MPs representing constituencies affected by the proposal. They argue that national parks lead to higher house prices and lower employment in the areas.

Tory MP Richard Drax of Dorset South expressed his frustration, stating, "Yet again, a proposal to impose a National Park on Dorset has risen from the dead despite virtually unanimous protestations against the idea last time in 2021." He added that a national park would inflate house prices and push development into other parts of the county.

Another Tory MP described the proposal as "madness," emphasizing the negative impact on house prices and employment. A third MP echoed these concerns, calling the plans "crazy" considering the current situation.

Tory MP Flick Drummond, whose constituency of Meon Valley is home to the South Downs National Park, welcomed the plan for a new national park but urged the government to provide increased funding to sustain their success.

Government's Environmental Push

The government's environmental push also includes allocating £2.5 million to connect children with nature and providing £15 million to support national parks and national landscapes.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay emphasized the importance of public access and mentioned the possibility of locating the new national park close to an urban area. He stated that the decision on the national park's location would involve consultation led by Natural England, with the government making the final decision next year.

Opposition's Criticism

Shadow environment secretary Steve Reed criticized the Conservative Party for overseeing the "destruction" of the British countryside. He highlighted the UK's nature depletion and the highest levels of illegal sewage discharges in history in the country's waterways.