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Press Release

It’s not just the economy, stupid!

21 January 2007

‘The Policy Exchange’s radical attacks on planning are becoming increasingly tired and predictable, the kind of stuff which really does make economics sound like a dismal science. This latest example is no exception.’

CPRE [1] Chief Executive Shaun Spiers was commenting on the publication of The best laid plans by the think-tank the Policy Exchange.

‘Why can’t it recognise that it’s not just the economy, stupid! Its argument that protecting our countryside and environment must never be allowed to stand in the way of corporate profits and wealth accumulation won’t wash with the public, the politicians or, we suspect, Kate Barker.

‘The really inconvenient fact for this report, which of course it doesn’t mention, is that the UK has one of the very best records in the developed world in attracting foreign investment. That, along with high economic growth and high employment, hardly suggests that our planning system is crippling the economy.’

Shaun Spiers concluded:

‘Planning isn’t perfect. But it does have a critical, democratic role to play in safeguarding the environment, a role which can only grow in importance in helping us deal with the climate change challenge. It’s time the Policy Exchange accepted that.’

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Sir Max Hastings. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen.

2. The best laid plans – how planning prevents economic growth, is being published by The Policy Exchange, a think tank, this week.



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