Apology for tweet targeting politicians over water pollution rule changes

author: FutureCar Staff    

The head of the RSPB has issued an apology after the charity accused Rishi Sunak, Michael Gove, and Therese Coffey of being 'liars' regarding a plan to eliminate water pollution regulations for new homes. The RSPB, Britain's largest nature conservation charity, launched a scathing attack on the three politicians, claiming that their decision betrayed their promise not to weaken environmental protections.

In a Twitter thread, the RSPB expressed their frustration, stating, 'LIARS! @RishiSunak @michaelgove @theresecoffey you said you wouldn't weaken environmental protections. And yet that's just what you are doing. You lie, and you lie, and you lie again. And we've had enough.' The thread referred to the government's announcement earlier that day, which revealed plans to remove anti-pollution EU laws on nutrient neutrality, thereby allowing the construction of over 100,000 new homes.

The current restrictions prevent developments that would increase nutrient pollution in waterways unless builders can offset the increase by removing nutrients elsewhere. This can be done through methods such as creating new wetlands, retrofitting drains, or purchasing farmland and leaving it unused. The RSPB's criticism of Rishi Sunak, Michael Gove, and Therese Coffey was later retracted, with both the charity and its boss apologizing for the social media post.

RSPB boss Beccy Speight clarified that she did not approve the original tweet and explained the charity's frustration with the government's proposal to amend habitat regulations and disapply the requirements for nutrient neutrality. She emphasized that this proposal contradicted the government's previous commitments not to weaken environmental protections. The RSPB issued an apology because they believed that public discourse should focus on policy rather than individuals.

Conservative MP Mark Jenkinson accused the RSPB of becoming a political campaigning organization and called for the Charity Commission to revoke its charity status. The government argued that the nutrient neutrality rules are a remnant of EU membership and that their removal would allow the construction of up to 100,000 additional homes by 2030.

Nutrient pollution, which originates from sewage, wastewater, fertilizers, and animal waste, can lead to excessive algal blooms that deplete light and oxygen, negatively impacting other plants and animals. Environmental groups argue that new homes contribute to nutrient pollution, and while the government claims that the pollution from new homes is minimal, conservationists believe that the government prioritizes housing construction over river cleanup.

The proposed changes would shift the responsibility of funding mitigation works from developers to taxpayers, with the Nutrient Mitigation Scheme run by Natural England receiving increased funding. Housing Secretary Michael Gove stated that protecting the environment is a priority and that the government will work closely with environmental agencies and councils to implement the changes.

Ben Derbyshire, former president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, disputed the argument that nutrient neutrality restrictions have hindered housing construction. He suggested that the restrictions primarily affect profit margins due to higher costs, which could be mitigated if developers did not overpay for land. The Home Builders Federation welcomed the government's decision, and shares of developer companies rose significantly following the announcement.

Patrick Begg, outdoors and natural resources director at the National Trust, criticized the relaxation of nutrient neutrality rules, stating that it contradicted the government's environmental commitments. Data from Watershed Investigations revealed that farming and the water industry are the main sources of nutrient pollution in UK waterways, leading conservationists to express concerns about the additional pressure on farmers resulting from the housing changes.

Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts, emphasized that the rules aim to prevent pollution rather than impede housing construction. He warned that adding pollution from developers to rivers already affected by agriculture and sewage pollution would further burden farmers, requiring them to make larger and faster cuts to nutrient pollution. The National Farmers' Union is currently reviewing the changes to understand their impact on farmers before making further comments.

The Charity Commission stated that it is aware of the RSPB's social media activity and will assess the matter to determine if there are any regulatory implications.

FutureCar Staff