The UK’s New Government and Access to Nature

Following the 2024 General Election, the UK has a new government, with Keir Starmer becoming the seventh Labour Prime Minister. But what does this mean for access to nature, and should outdoor enthusiasts be optimistic?

Labour’s Track Record on Access

The Labour Party has historically played a significant role in expanding public access to nature. Their achievements include the post-war National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, which introduced protected landscapes, National Trails, and the requirement for local authorities to create definitive maps of public paths. Additionally, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, driven by decades of campaigning from groups like the Ramblers, granted the public the right to roam across 3 million acres of England and Wales. The Marine and Coastal Access Act, another Labour milestone, established the England Coast Path.

Given this history of legislative progress, there’s a basis for optimism about further improvements in access under the new government.

What Has the New Government Promised?

The UK government holds authority over environmental and access policies in England. Recent analysis has highlighted two key access initiatives from Labour’s manifesto: the creation of nine new National River Walks and three new National Forests. These initiatives suggest a commitment to enhancing responsible access to nature, though the full extent of Labour’s plans in this area remains to be clarified.

Earlier in the election campaign, Labour announced a Countryside Protection Plan aimed at “increasing access to nature for families to enjoy, improving mental health, and leaving a legacy for future generations.” Additionally, Steve Reed MP, the former Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, mentioned that a Labour government would produce a white paper on access to nature—a significant step that often precedes new legislation. This indicates that Labour is seriously considering reforms in this area.

Reasons for Optimism?

Considering Labour’s history and their recent promises, there is reason to hope for further improvements in public access to nature. However, with numerous competing priorities facing the new government, it will be essential to hold them accountable for these commitments and to continuously advocate for the importance of access to nature.