Labour’s Housing Secretary insists newts and bats can be safeguarded without halting the construction of much-needed homes

Angela Rayner, Labour’s Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, has called for a balance between protecting wildlife and building homes, arguing that no species should hold more protection than people in need of housing. Speaking on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Rayner addressed the ongoing tensions between environmental protections and the need for increased housing, a topic that has sparked significant debate in recent weeks.

Following Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to constructing 1.5 million homes and fast-tracking 150 major infrastructure projects by the decade’s end, Rayner was pressed on whether this push for development would result in reduced protections for wildlife, such as newts, bats, and kittiwakes. Her response was clear: “We can look after them, but at the same time not stop building.”

Rayner stated that the government’s approach would be to ensure both environmental protections and housing development can occur simultaneously. “We can’t have a situation where newts are more protected than people who desperately need housing,” she said, emphasising the importance of creating a process that safeguards nature without delaying necessary construction.

This discussion follows recent criticisms, including Sir Keir’s rebuke of a £100m bat tunnel that has delayed the HS2 rail project. Last month, HS2’s chief executive revealed the bat tunnel was one of many issues contributing to the project’s ballooning costs. The prime minister also spoke out, criticising the prolonged delays over environmental concerns that have hindered major infrastructure development.

In response, Rayner echoed Starmer’s frustrations. “We haven’t built a reservoir for over 30 years, and even the projects we approve are fought tooth and nail,” she said, pointing to the absurdity of a bat tunnel potentially delaying the UK’s largest infrastructure project. She declared, “This government will not accept this nonsense any more.”

Rayner’s comments are part of Labour’s broader effort to address the housing crisis, which the party has identified as one of the most pressing issues of the current government. The Labour leadership has argued that an aggressive housing development plan is critical to addressing the nation’s housing shortage, particularly in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

While critics argue that Labour’s housing targets may be unrealistic, Rayner remains steadfast, rejecting the notion that the current system is adequate. “I cannot accept the situation as it stands,” she declared, signalling that the Labour government will push for reforms that allow for both housing and environmental protection to thrive together.

As Labour moves forward with its ambitious housing goals, the party is facing significant pressure to find practical solutions that do not undermine environmental standards, while simultaneously addressing the urgent need for more affordable housing across the UK.