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Making Waves:
A conservative plan for nature-based coastal renewal and resilience
We are an island nation. The tides that shape our shores have defined our national story too. The docks of London once welcomed a bounty of treasures from around the world. The harbours of Cornwall and Grimsby teemed with fishing boats filled with the catch of the day. The fortifications around Dover and Orkney stood as Britain’s first lines of defence against enemies from overseas. Generations of tourists have braced chilling winds as they saunter down the piers of Blackpool and Skegness to take in the fresh salt air. Britain’s coastlines have long been central to our economy, our security, and our identity.
Today, our coastal communities face growing environmental and economic pressures. Waves threaten to flood our streets, wash away our heritage, and undermine the communities that have long stood as the beating heart of our coastal economy. Storm surges batter ancient harbours, cliffs are collapsing into the sea, and, below the waves, once-rich fishing grounds are diminishing. Many coastal economies are in long-term decline, with over two-thirds of English coastal towns falling within the highest bracket of income deprivation. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and decades of underinvestment have left many of these communities vulnerable.
And yet, just as our maritime history is one of innovation and adaptation, so too can be our response to today’s challenges. This is both a patriotic and pragmatic mission and one that is rooted in conservative values: stewardship, enterprise, and national resilience. Through nature restoration, we have an opportunity not only to defend our shores but to revive our coastal economies. We must seize it.
Rt Hon Victoria Atkins MP,
Shadow Environment Secretary:
“Britain’s once buzzing seaside towns are facing growing economic and environmental pressures. The Conservatives are determined to set out a plan to protect our coastal communities and preserve them for future generations. I welcome CEN’s latest publication as a valuable conservative contribution for consideration in our ongoing policy renewal programme.
“Needless red tape continues to hamstring investment into marine restoration projects that could bring coastal communities jobs, nature abundant habitats, and protection against the growing threats of climate change. Cutting this red tape is the common-sense approach the Conservatives champion that shows we are the only party standing up for Britain’s coastlines.”
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP,
Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee:
“As the MP for Gosport, Stubbington, Lee on the Solent and Hill Head, I know how precious Britain’s coastlines are. They were once home to thriving, unique wildlife, whilst hosting families for quintessentially British trips by the seaside.
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“But our coastal towns are on the front line of climate change, from erosion to flooding to storm surges. We need to take action to protect these communities.
“CEN’s latest publication smartly combines economic rejuvenation and nature restoration to offer pragmatic policies that can protect coastal communities. By cutting red tape, we can unleash investment to restore the diminishing natural environment and provide jobs to my constituents. This will ensure that the likes of the Solent Seascape Project can finally have the protection, economic investment, and nature restoration they deserve.”