The Conservative Environment Network (CEN) has called on the Conservative Party to enhance its environmental agenda with new proposals to boost nature and address climate change. CEN’s proposals include allowing community groups to purchase disused public or ownerless land at a discount for nature restoration, maintaining the budget for nature-friendly farming, and requiring new houses and commercial buildings to have solar panels.
The network also advocates for stopping large EU fishing vessels from damaging marine environments in protected areas, increasing competition on the railways, modernizing port infrastructure, and extending grant schemes for farmers to install solar panels on barn roofs.
CEN's director, Sam Hall, emphasized the importance of the Conservative Party maintaining environmental leadership, arguing that political parties should focus on improving the environment rather than debating climate change or nature loss. Hall highlighted previous Conservative achievements, such as the roll-out of new farming payments and the expansion of marine protected areas. The call comes ahead of the general election, with the network urging practical and bold policies to tackle environmental issues.