I have joined with other MP's to form an all party Parliamentary Group dedicated to the protection of the Greenbelt. I hope the group will allow the voices calling for the protection of the Greenbelt "to be heard louder, and at the very top of government."
People fighting to protect the Greenbelt are pinnacles of our local community. People realise we are simply guardians of our beautiful land, and we must protect what green space we have. I believe we can have the housing we need, in the right way, without suffering widespread environmental damage to wildlife, farm land, hedgerows and green space under tonnes of concrete and mortar built on with executive homes. That is why the Greenbelt is so important.
There is no doubt in my mind that defending our precious countryside from big developers, like Lugano, who are simply looking for a quick buck is the right thing to do. Greenbelt campaigners in my constituency have my full and unwavering support and I hope this new group will help ensure they have support in Westminster too.
In early Autumn Northumberland County Council will move to the next stage of its Core Strategy consultation, producing reports on housing need and identifying sites for future development. I stand shoulder to shoulder with local campaigners as the battle to protect our local countryside intensifies.
I will be scrutinising every move of the County Council and the developers as we draw closer to the final Core Strategy document. I will happily lead this fight from the front.
