CPRE makes case for the countryside at the Labour conference

This evening we’re launching Rural Futures with the Fabian Society, a pamphlet exploring the potential of the countryside.

Rural Futures is a new pamphlet bringing together chapters by Labour MPs and leading figures in housing, technology, transport and health, examining both the opportunities and challenges facing the countryside. CPRE chief executive Roger Mortlock introduces the publication with the question: ‘Why should Labour care about the countryside?’ Chapters include Sustainable land use, Rural economic success and Greener transport.

The pamphlet launches on the evening of 30 September at the Labour Party Conference in partnership with the Fabian Society, a Labour-affiliated think tank that shapes progressive policy ideas. It rounds off a week in which CPRE has been engaging with Labour MPs and representatives on issues from land use to genuinely affordable housing for rural communities.

Commenting on Rural Futures, Roger Mortlock said:

‘More than 110 Labour MPs represent rural constituencies. The challenges they face – from health to housing and the economy – mirror those elsewhere.

‘Housing pressures, the climate emergency and nature decline are creating intense challenges for the countryside, even as it is expected to provide solutions.

‘Rural Futures offers a positive vision, making the case for Labour to invest in the countryside not only to protect it but to regenerate it. The countryside can deliver many of the answers we need, but this requires joined-up thinking about land use and stronger engagement with rural communities so they can shape their own future.’