Teesmouth Bird Club

Email I sent to MP Ian Swales:

Dear Ian,

I am writing to you with regards to George Osbornes outrageous autumn
statement statement where he referred to the relaxation of planning laws
(Habitat Regulations) to stimulate commercial developement etc.
Clearly these are desperate measures from a desperate man who showed
absolutely  no regard towards the future protection of our natural
environment and future generations with this slash and burn attitude.

These regulations are there for a reason, to protect our heritage,
wildlife and places of beauty from unscrupulous developers who wouldn't
give a damn whose grave was underneath so long as they are given licence
to go ahead and this is clearly the endorsement Osborne is giving within
his statement.

Our waterways heaths, coasts, woodlands and places of natural beauty are
at risk and happen to be the most treasured and valuable inheritance we
could ever leave for future generations who just like most us would not
want a world full of cars, concrete, crime and pollution. Therefore, I
expect you as my constituency MP to see your responsibility and oppose
any changes to the current laws because changes could be seen as being
potentially irresponsible, careless and destructive and even tantamount
to Governmental vandalism on a huge scale.

Regards

Richard Green

PS I trust you will bring my email to the attention of George Osborne

Sorry Folks,

I should have explained that this was in response to an email circular sent by the RSPB who requested members to respond in this way and send copies to their campaigns dept which I have done.

Reply to my email from Ian Swales MP as below:

Dear Mr Green,

Thank you for your email dated 2nd December concerning Habitat Regulations.

As a member of the RSPB, I care immensely about our natural landscapes and feel it is absolutely necessary for a Government to ensure these are protected for future generations. George Osborne has not announced a scrapping of these regulations merely a review into them. As a party, the Liberal Democrats have a long history of supporting the environment and environmental policies were a part of our manifestoes years before any other major party. Last week's budget announcement also included an extra £200m for the Green Deal, Government policy which is the first of its kind in the developed world and which will enable many households and businesses at a local level to consume less energy. On a national level, the Green Deal will help the UK become more energy efficient and reduce our Greenhouse Gas emissions.

In the past, I have also signed several Early Day Motions regarding the protection of the environment including EDM 592 UK Marine And Coastal Access Act 2009 which urged the Government to meet its international obligations regarding the provisions of the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 by ensuring that an ecologically coherent, well-managed and enforced network of marine protected areas, including highly protected sites, is established by 2012. I have also signed EDM 1601 Natural Environment White Paper which called on the Government to make a clear commitment through the White Paper to halt biodiversity loss, restore the UK's natural environment and connect people with nature.

I have written to George Osborne concerning Habitat Regulations and I shall write again once I receive a response. If you have any further concerns on this issue or on any other issues please feel free to contact me in the future.

Yours Sincerely,

Ian Swales