Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, refutes claims by UK ministers, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, that nature conservation hinders development. He emphasizes that nature underpins economic growth and that Natural England objects to less than 1% of planning applications. Juniper will oversee a new nature restoration fund, funded by developers, to mitigate environmental impacts.
Natural England chair rejects ministers’ claim that nature blocks development
Natural EnglandPlanning policyEnvironmentWildlifePoliticsUKConservation
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, refutes claims by UK ministers, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, that nature conservation hinders development. He emphasizes that nature underpins economic growth and that Natural England objects to less than 1% of planning applications. Juniper will oversee a new nature restoration fund, funded by developers, to mitigate environmental impacts.
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What: Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, publicly rejected ministers' claims that nature blocks development, stating such claims are not fully backed by evidence.
When: Interview with The Guardian (implied June 5, 2025); Reappointed for third term (recent); Planning appeals last year.
Where: England, United Kingdom (specifically Trumpington Meadows, Cambridge).
Why: To counter government narrative, advocate for nature's role in economic growth, and clarify Natural England's position on development.
How: Through an interview with The Guardian, explaining Natural England's low objection rate to planning applications and outlining the purpose of the new nature restoration fund.