Conservative approaches to the environment

The Conservative Party has raised the profile of environmental issues in an unprecedented way.  But as they encourage the UK to vote blue go green, are we witnessing a real transformation?  Have the Conservatives become a greener shade of blue? 

Green Alliance’s latest pamphlet A greener shade of blue? Reflections on new Conservative approaches to the environment, explores these questions. It brings together senior members of the Conservative Party and leading environmentalists to explore the relationship between environmental sustainability and Conservative philosophy.

David Cameron’s contribution argues that it is precisely because he is a Conservative that he is so passionate about the environment and the pamphlet draws out some of the challenges he faces in reconciling his party and Conservative philosophy with a focus on environmental issues. One of the issues he will have to resolve is the role of the state, which Nick Hurd focuses on in his piece, exploring the tension between a party philosophy that favours a small state and the government level interventions required to tackle climate change. David Cameron also addresses this question, and emphasises that responsibility also lies with individuals as part of their ‘social responsibility’.

Contributions from other Conservatives cover a variety of areas. George Osborne sets out the economic case for green growth and John Gummer  takes a more international approach – in particular looking at the environmental case for greater involvement in Europe. Oliver Letwin argues that politics needs to take account of natural beauty – both preserving and creating it – and looks at how this might be achieved.

Tom Burke and Charles Secrett both examine the Conservative’s historical record on the environment and, while it may not be exemplary, there is a lot to learn from it. Tom Burke argues that progress was made, although it was often indirect, and Charles Secrett discusses the challenge of moving from green rhetoric to real action. Stephen Hale, Director of Green Alliance, brings all the essays together and sets out the key challenges that Conservatives must tackle if they are to build confidence that they will really deliver on the green agenda, either in government or as a credible opposition.

The pamphlet was launched on 17 May, 2007, at an event with speakers Oliver Letwin, Nick Hurd, Tom Burke and Charles Secrett. 

For further details please contact Tracy Carty or Faye Scott.

Acknowledgements

Green Alliance would like to thank the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, CPRE, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, The Wildlife Trusts, the Woodland Trust, RSPB and WWF for their support of this work.

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