Tory MPs criticize plans for new national park as "madness" and "rubbish"

Search for new national park

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has announced plans to search for a new national park for England, with potential sites including the Chilterns, the Cotswolds, and Dorset. However, several Tory MPs in these areas have expressed their disapproval, citing concerns about higher house prices and lower employment in regions with national parks. These plans were outlined in the party's 2019 manifesto.

Tory MP opposition

Tory MP Richard Drax, representing Dorset South, voiced his opposition to the proposal, saying, "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." Another Tory MP described the plans as "madness" and "rubbish," while a third MP criticized the potential impact on house prices and employment.

Support for increased funding

Tory MP Flick Drummond, whose constituency of Meon Valley is home to the South Downs National Park, has welcomed the plan for a new national park. However, she emphasized the need for increased funding to ensure the success of these parks. The government has allocated £15 million to support national parks and national landscapes, along with £2.5 million to connect children with nature.

Government decision and public access

Conservation advisory body Natural England will assess potential locations for the new national park, with the final decision to be made by the government next year. Environment Secretary Steve Barclay has indicated a desire for the new park to be close to an urban area, in order to maximize public access. He emphasized that the government will consult with Natural England throughout the process.

Accusations of nature depletion

Shadow environment secretary Steve Reed criticized the Conservative Party for overseeing the "destruction" of the British countryside. He pointed out that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries globally and highlighted the high levels of illegal sewage discharges in waterways.