Support sought to make countryside a ‘vital national priority’ for politicians

BRITAIN’S COUNTRYSIDE is the “eighth wonder of the world” and must be made a public investment priority of the next government, according to rural business lobby group leader Ross Murray.

The president of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) said he wanted to persuade politicians of a groundswell of public support for the countryside so that it is considered a “vital national priority”.

Mr Murray will launch the CLA’s ‘The Countryside Matters’ campaign at the Devon County Show today.

Explaining the countryside’s importance, the CLA leader said: “It provides us with a large proportion our food and water; it cleans the air we breathe and sustains a rich diversity of wildlife and we want to gather a groundswell of public opinion in the run up to the General Election; on the road to Brexit – and beyond – to persuade MPs, Ministers and the Government that investment in the countryside is money well spent.”

The CLA’s campaign aims to highlight the benefits of a working countryside, from the supply of affordable and nutritious food, to maintaining habitats for wildlife and storing and cleaning water.

Mr Murray said: “The British countryside is the eighth wonder of the world and the envy of many.

“But there is risk once the UK leaves the EU and it is vital that the next Government grasps the fact that it needs to treat farming, the rural economy and our landscapes as a public investment priority. Money can be spent in new ways to deliver better outcomes for the economy and the environment.”

The CLA has vowed to talk to politicians directly throughout the summer to spread its campaign message.