A number of my colleagues have been putting their speed-reading skills to good use recently – firstly with the output from the coalition Government’s Red Tape Challenge on Monday there was a big result in that the public voice (over 15,000 of you stepped up with our e-action to Business Secretary Vince Cable) backed by evidence of the importance of environmental regulation meant that their role has been retained ... with broadly sensible smartening up (and we can all do with a bit of that).
Then the budget (here’s our Conservation Director, Martin Harper’s view of yesterday) – the engine of growth is well and truly revving and the degree to which that can be delivered without unnecessary wrecking our natural environment is going to be determined over the next few days as first, this morning, DEFRAs review into the implementation of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives is published (more speed reading) and then, next week, the publication of England’s National Planning Policy Framework. Unleashing economic growth without the checks and balances of effective laws and regulation to protect our natural environment would be a disaster.
The shingle ridges and rich wildlife of Dungeness are recognised in the European designations that protect this most special of places. Photo Andre Farrar
Over 19,000 of you e-mailed the Chancellor arguing that the environment doesn’t have to be sacrificed for growth. We’ll know shortly whether the coalition Government has listened.
And to all of you who stepped up for nature - thank you!
Speed readers ready! Our views on the review will be out as quickly as possible.
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Just realised this was the 400th post on the Saving Special Places blog ... thank you for reading