The Live Wire



Press Release

Tony Blair's legacy for the countryside

9 May 2007

Commenting on Tony Blair’s expected resignation as Prime Minister after ten years in office, Neil Sinden, CPRE’s Policy Director, said:

‘Tony Blair promised much on the environment in his early years at the helm, with a commitment to putting the environment at the heart of policy-making.

‘His emphasis on climate change, and preparedness to give a lead on international action to tackle it, has been welcome. So has his boldness in fighting for meaningful reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, helping to secure a shift in the nature of the subsidy regime.

‘However, he has failed to make as big an impact as hoped for on the wider environmental agenda.

‘The future of the countryside is intimately linked to the health of our towns and cities. We have seen significant progress with the renewal of many urban areas, proposals for two new National Parks, and an extension of public access. But there has not been enough recognition of the value of the wider countryside, as an environmental and cultural asset, and as a major contributor to everyone’s quality of life, whether living in town or country.’

Neil Sinden concluded:

‘Good intentions on integrated transport, in both urban and rural areas, have not translated into a major shift onto public transport, and away from the car.

‘And Downing Street’s sporadic interest in reform of the planning system, under pressure from the business sector, has been largely negative, undermining its role as a democratic tool for environmental protection and enhancement, and frustrating many concerned with genuinely sustainable development.’



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