I had the pleasure of visiting Chop Gate in the North York Moors National Park to engage with the Northern Forest partnership, a cause I’ve supported since 2018. Hosted by the Woodland Trust, the visit highlighted a project that boosts landowner income, enhances public health and drives economic growth in North Yorkshire while advancing the Northern Forest’s mission to plant 50 million trees across the North. I’ve long championed this initiative for its potential to combat climate change, reduce flooding, and increase biodiversity. We also discussed the Heritage Trees Bill, which seeks to protect ancient trees following incidents like the Whitewebbs Oak felling.
As a founding member of the Conservative Environment Network—an independent forum for conservatives in the UK and globally who advocate for nature restoration and resource security—I remain committed to supporting nature and the environment. However, I believe this transition must be pragmatic, ensuring public support while balancing our vital climate goals with the need to protect jobs and the economy.
