Welsh Conservatives today pledged to clean up Wales and do more to protect our natural environment.
Shadow Minister for the Environment, Angela Burns AM, and Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly, Nick Bourne AM, launched the Party’s environment policies at Eco2 – Wales’ largest independent renewable energy company – in Cardiff.
Welsh Conservatives would:
- Designate ‘Blue Belt’ land to prevent development close to rivers, lakes and coastlines
- Seek to increase penalties for environmental crime – including littering and dog-fouling – and pursue more rigorous enforcement
- Promote a diverse range of renewable energy sources
- Make Wales’ National Parks accountable to local communities through direct elections to National Park Authorities
Angela Burns said: “These policies are entirely based on making Wales a much better place to live and visit.
“It is clear that far too many opportunities are being missed and critical areas like flood prevention are not being addressed.
“The creation of designated “Blue Belt” land around rivers, lakes and coastlines would prevent unnecessary building in areas of high flood risk. Not only would this approach put a stop to irresponsible development that can ruin lives in the long term, it would also protect the environment.
“Whether you live in a rural or urban area, littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling also continue to blight the environment around us. Residents and businesses are all too often affected by these offences and everyday life is made so much harder than it needs to be.
“Welsh Conservatives would increase fines for those who do it, and work to make sure the law is enforced more rigorously.
“We also remain committed to introducing direct elections for National Park Authorities and putting an end to Labour-Plaid’s sole reliance on wind power.
“WAG’s missed targets prove we shouldn’t be putting all our eggs in one basket and a fresh and balanced approach is needed. This must include biomass, hydro, wave, tidal, solar, biogas, heat pumps and microgeneration.
“Wales deserves a lot better and these policies would do much more to protect our environment.”
Nick Bourne said: “Wales is lagging behind in all areas of environment policy and it’s about time we put an end to Labour-Plaid’s short sightedness.
“There are urgent issues crying out for attention that are consistently swept under the carpet by this government. Whether it’s our day-to-day lives or our plans for the future, these polices will make a real difference to areas of vital importance.”
