Reeves launches fresh war on bats and newts to speed up development
Reeves eyes environmental protection cuts to boost construction
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly preparing major reforms to environmental protections aimed at accelerating infrastructure building and boosting the economy.
- The proposed changes include making it more difficult for wildlife concerns to hold up developments and potentially tearing up parts of European environmental rules, The Times reported.
- Among the reforms under consideration are a smaller, UK-only list of protected species and replacing the EU's 'precautionary principle' with a new risk-benefit test for building projects.
- Ms Reeves is also exploring limits on legal challenges from environmental campaigners, having previously stated that economic growth should take precedence over certain wildlife protections.
- Treasury officials are reportedly drafting a new planning reform bill for these contentious changes, which are expected to face significant backlash from environmental groups.