With the result of the election announced this morning, the BMC would like to issue the following statement:

The United Kingdom has voted resoundingly for change, and a newly elected cohort of MPs have a huge mandate for delivering this. The BMC looks forward to working closely with the new Labour ministerial team to help shape future policy on responsible access to nature. We will also support the new opposition in scrutinising the government, and welcome stronger representation from the four members representing the Green Party, who notably call for a responsible right to roam in their manifesto. 

We hope that the incoming Labour Government can build on their manifesto pledge to improve public access and remain true to their commitment to publish a White Paper on access reform. It’s time we have a government that delivers for nature, for the environment, and promotes responsible access for all. The BMC and other outdoor representative bodies look forward to working with them to help improve their commitments to nature, access and breaking down barriers to the outdoors. 

Senior Policy & Campaigns Officer Dr. Cath Flitcroft says, “The BMC looks forward to working closely with the new Labour ministerial team in the coming months to help shape future policy on responsible access to nature. 

“Labour has a strong track record of expanding public access rights but much more still needs to be done. The last time a new Labour Government was elected, they brought in transformative legislation which revolutionised our access to the countryside – the Countryside Rights of Way Act. Twenty years later, the shortcomings of the act are now clear. Keir Starmer’s Labour Party must seize this opportunity to protect and connect us with nature.

“An estimated 19.6 million people still do not live within a 15-minute walk of green and blue space. Our right to roam covers just 11% of England and Wales, and largely extends only to pedestrians. Britain ranks lowest in Europe for nature connectiveness and is one of the worst countries in the world for biodiversity.

“We hope that the incoming Labour Government can build on their manifesto pledge to improve public access and remain true to their commitment to publish a White Paper on access reform. It’s time we have a government that delivers for nature, for the environment, and promotes responsible access for all. The BMC and other outdoor representative bodies look forward to working with them to help improve their commitments to nature, access and breaking down barriers to the outdoors.”

Labour manifesto commitments:

Access to nature

• We will improve access to nature, promote biodiversity, and protect our landscapes and wildlife
• Labour will create nine new National River Walks, one in each region of England, and establish three new National Forests in England, whilst planting millions of trees and creating new woodlands.
• Labour will expand nature-rich habitats such as wetlands, peat bogs and forests so families can explore and wildlife can thrive, including on public land

Natural environment & biodiversity

• Labour will deliver for nature, taking action to meet our Environment Act targets, and will work in partnership with civil society, communities and business to restore and protect our natural world.
• Labour will put failing water companies under special measures to clean up our water. We will give regulators new powers to block the payment of bonuses to executives who pollute our waterways and bring criminal charges against persistent law breakers. We will impose automatic and severe fines for wrongdoing and ensure independent monitoring of every outlet.

Culture and sport

• Labour will deliver international events with pride and seek new opportunities where we can, creating a legacy to inspire the next generation of talent while promoting exercise and healthy living.

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