As well as talking about the UK being a force for good in the world, the Conservative manifesto rightly says we must be 'outward looking and global in perspective'. And that certainly fits with some of the actions of the UK Government since 2019. They have shown leadership with the introduction of an Agriculture Act and Environment Act, which have laid strong foundations for nature's recovery in the UK.
Yet, in this manifesto, even though many environmental commitments remain the same, the language has weakened...
...with the Conservatives narrative of a 'pragmatic and proportionate approach' to net zero, for example. We are in a climate emergency and having to deal with more flooding incidents and droughts than ever before. In the last two years alone, we have had water restrictions during the summer months. It is imperative that we adapt to climate change and we need our leaders to be clear with voters about the urgency of action required. This isn't eco-zealotry; it is essential and pragmatic.
We are concerned that some of the positive parts of this manifesto are Government pledges from the last parliament that they failed to deliver before the election. This list includes delivering a land-use framework and making enough progress towards '30by30' nature recovery. Other promises are now completely missing, including ending the badger cull, banning the sale of horticultural peat and reintroducing wild beavers. To ensure there isn't another gap between promises and delivery, we would need to see a Conservative government deliver more consistency on action for nature.
The Conservatives commitment to continuing oil and gas production in the North Sea is short-sighted. The climate and nature crises need decisive action now, and in one direction only - towards net zero. The proposal to build more renewables on land could save taxpayers money as it is cheaper and quicker to build - and would take the pressure off our increasingly degraded seas.
It is vital that we support nature-friendly farming in a changing climate where we increasingly see farmers struggling to produce food on frequently flooded or scorched fields. The Wildlife Trusts are pleased to see that the Conservatives are committing to retain Environmental Land Management schemes to support nature-friendly farming. However, it seems that the transition to public money for public goods is at risk of being watered down by the reintroduction of EU-style payments. We must remember that increasing funds for Environmental Land Management schemes is the only way we can protect true long-term food security.
We are also pleased to read of promises to protect more 'blue belt' (international Marine Protected Areas), support more woodland creation and continued support for the Nature for Climate Fund that pays for peatland restoration. The vast majority - 87% - of England's peatlands are degraded. In recognition of this, the UK Government has committed to restoring 280,000 hectares of peatland in England by 2050. However, dedicated funding for this runs out next year.
Four in every 10 voters are looking to vote with nature in mind and so this week, as party manifestos launch, The Wildlife Trusts are challenging all parties to step up their plans for nature's recovery. That means plans that meet the challenge to halt and reverse nature's decline, and mitigate and adapt to climate change.
You can read our reviews on both Labour and Liberal Democrats plans for nature. We will share others as they are released.
