Recent Government proposals could pose a threat to our charitable aims to protect green space, wildlife and heritage. In this blog, Hilary McGrady, Director-General, reflects on why we were set up as a charity and outlines why it's more important than ever that we stand up for historic and natural places.
How we work with governments
We've worked well with governments of every kind for 127 years. From our three founders who campaigned for access to green space and fresh air, to the establishment of the National Trust Act of Parliament in 1907, engaging in constructive discussion and debate with politicians is part and parcel of what we do.
We spoke out against urban sprawl in the 1920s, supported the foundation of National Parks, and advocated for the Town and Country Planning Act, which became law in 1947.
The Government's proposals could threaten nature, beauty and heritage
Along the way, there have been occasions when we feel that the things we were set up as a charity to care about are under threat. Now is one of those times. You may have seen reports in the press and on social media over the last fortnight about our response to recent Government proposals. These proposals include:
The potential scrapping of current protections for wildlife habitats and our most precious species, without clarity on how they’ll be replaced
Relaxing planning rules in ‘investment zones’ and for infrastructure projects, which could threaten local green space and heritage
A review of environmental farming subsidies that could reverse plans to reward farmers for restoring nature alongside producing sustainable food
We're concerned that the cumulative cost of these proposals could have very harmful consequences for nature, heritage, beauty and communities – things we all care deeply about. We believe that ambitions for the economy can and must work in harmony with the natural environment: we can grow both together.
I want to be clear that this isn’t about politics, it’s about standing up for the things we were set up to care about. We would ask any Government that has said they will do away with critical protections to outline their plans and reassure us. And as the Charity Commission said this week, charities are entitled to 'campaign with vigour and energy', where it relates to their objectives.
You may remember that in 2011 we campaigned against changes to the planning system, changes that could have led to damaging and unchecked development, and we spoke out passionately when precious forests were in danger of being sold off.
We know we don’t speak for all our members. The diversity of views and opinions within our membership is something that makes the Trust special – and we would never claim to represent the voices of everyone. But in recent years, when we’ve spoken to members and listened to their concerns, the protection of nature and the countryside is always high on the list. We know that many of you are worried about recent proposals and want clarity from the Government on its plans.
Last weekend, we set out a series of ‘red lines’ that we believe the Government cannot afford to cross if it is to stay true to its 25-year environment plan and its promise to the public to leave the environment in a better state than it found it.
We're committed to working together constructively
That 2018 plan was full of laudable commitments, and we want to work with Government to achieve it. In recent years we’ve helped inform legislation on the planning system and trialled environmental subsidy schemes, working with farmers and Government, to help make land more resilient to climate change.
We will continue to work constructively with all politicians and policy makers in the spirit that we were founded in 1895: to promote the preservation of historic places and nature, for everyone, for ever.
Our news
Take a look at the latest news from across the National Trust.
Climate change is the single biggest threat to the places we care for. Take a look at our environmental pledges as we adapt, reduce carbon emissions and address the damage already done.
Find out how your support helps us look after the past, from conserving historic buildings to revealing archaeological sites and supporting urban heritage projects.
