Rishi Sunak has vowed to protect “our green spaces” as he tries to draw a dividing line on housing with Sir Keir Starmer.
Starmer revealed in an interview with The Times this week that he wants to open a “discussion” about making it easier to build on green belt land. He is determined to put housebuilding for growth at the centre of Labour’s election pitch.
Asked about the interview, Sunak said: “I was very clear over the summer what I was going to do, which was move away from a system of nationally imposed top-down housing targets on local areas. I don’t think that is the right approach.”
He added: “I wanted to make sure our green spaces are protected. I think that is what local communities want.”
Meanwhile, Labour has said it would introduce a Scottish-style right-to-roam law if it wins the next General Election. Under the law, public access to green space would be enshrined in law.
Currently just 8% of England is covered by right-to-roam rules.
