Richard Tice accuses Britain of 'green colonialism' as part of 'eco zealotry' obsession

Kitty Thompson, head of campaigns at the Conservative Environment network, said: "Reform cannot simply ignore the fact that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

“Our countryside is iconic and remains a source of national pride, but it has also changed over generations, little by little. The land of our grandparents, replete with native flora and fauna, is no more. It is our duty to accept the facts as they appear and work to restore our countryside to its former glory. It is irresponsible to do otherwise.

“With Reform in denial and Labour seeking to further harm nature through its Planning and Infrastructure Bill and farming policy, the Conservatives have an opportunity to win back rural Britain as the party for restoring nature. They must seize it.”

Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: “Mr Tice is wrong to dismiss wildlife losses as if they were inevitable or something that people don't care about. Nature's decline is being driven by human choices. Protecting our countryside means protecting the species and habitats that make it what it is. Sacrificing wildlife for short-term gain is not progress, it is neglect. The truth is, investing in nature safeguards our health, our food security and our economy now and for future generations. Turning our backs on that would leave Britain poorer, not richer.”

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