Worcester's Labour MP, Tom Collins, is facing significant criticism from local Green councillors for his decision to vote against amendments designed to strengthen wildlife protections within the Government's new Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
The Vote and The Backlash
The controversy stems from a vote in the House of Commons on November 13, where two specific amendments to the bill were dismissed. Green councillors argue that these rejected amendments would have provided a crucial bolster to existing safeguards for local fauna.
A motion, initially put forward by Green councillor Karen Lewing and supported by Worcester City Council back in July, had explicitly urged Mr Collins to oppose the relevant section of the bill. Following the vote, Cllr Lewing stated that the MP still has an opportunity to listen to his constituents.
"Our MP still has a chance to listen to Worcester residents and stand up for our wildlife and green spaces while the bill is going through Parliament," she said. "Hedgehogs, bats, woodlands and wetlands matter to our community and nature deserves real protections, not vague promises."
The Government's Stance and The Housing Dilemma
The core of the Government's argument for the new bill is that current habitat and nature protections are obstructing its ambitious target to construct 1.5 million houses by the end of this Parliament. The proposed legislation would supersede these existing rules.
If approved, the bill would allow developers to fulfil their environmental obligations by making general improvements or contributing to a nature restoration fund, which would enhance habitats on alternative sites, rather than providing direct, site-specific protections.
MP Collins's Defence
In response to the criticism, MP Tom Collins has defended his position, insisting that his career has been dedicated to environmental protection. He emphasised the need for practical solutions that address both the ecological and housing crises facing the country.
"Protecting the environment and nature has been the purpose behind my whole career," Mr Collins stated. "The Government has been really clear that we must protect nature, and do it in a way that really works – so that we can both protect nature and quickly build the houses and energy infrastructure that we desperately need."
He highlighted the severe housing situation in Worcester, pointing out that "too many people in Worcester live in cold, damp and overcrowded homes, and are priced out of better options." For him, the bill represents a balance, "fulfilling all our values – protecting nature and also protecting people."
Despite the setback for the amendments, campaigners remain hopeful that further safeguards for protected species can be incorporated as the bill progresses through the final stages of Parliament.
