Labour MPs are poised to rebel against the planning and infrastructure bill due to concerns from constituents about its impact on protected habitats and wildlife. Roughly two dozen MPs want the government to mandate the development of existing planning permissions before enacting legislation that undermines environmental protections. Discussions are underway for amendments to mitigate backlash. Experts assert that recent legal opinions indicate the bill would endanger over 5,000 sensitive habitats, prompting wildlife charities to demand a reconsideration of the controversial part three of the legislation.
‘The government must stop portraying this planning bill as a win-win for nature and economic growth. It is not.’ – Beccy Speight, RSPB chief executive
‘Ministers were expected soon to present appeasement amendments on part three so they could claim the legislation was not regressive.’ – Alexa Culver, environmental lawyer
‘We should assume that ministers won't have sought the advice of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) on these amendments.’ – Alexa Culver
‘Three separate legal opinions say the bill rolls back environmental protections, leaving more than 5,000 sensitive habitats vulnerable to destruction.’ – The Guardian
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