'It is imperative that the Government recognises that nature is helping growth' - Your Letters: June 11
PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: A picture of the interior of the Grand theatre, in Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton in the 1920s. It was built in six months and once staged a performance with six live horses re-enacting the Grand National. The scene remains familiar with audiences who enjoy visits to the theatre.
NATURE MUST BE PART OF GROWTH
In 2021 Rachel Reeves announced her ambition to become 'Britain's first green chancellor' – however, now she has the role of Chancellor for the Government her recent announcements on planning and airport expansion make this aim questionable.
Nature is not a blocker to growth. In fact, research by PWC and a review by Sir Partha Dasgupta show that it is crucial for economic growth to happen. A healthy environment could provide businesses and residents with some natural protection from flooding, drought and pollutants in the air and water. This, in turn, saves businesses, homeowners and landlords, and the Treasury money and could keep insurance costs lower due to flooding occurring less regularly.
Staff being able to access natural spaces in their breaks and lunchtime, by going for a walk among trees or eating lunch outside improves their health and wellbeing. Happier, healthier staff are much more productive. It is imperative that the Government recognises that nature IS helping growth. When looking at new developments nature and green energy must be included in new housing and business to protect nature and the economy.
Janet Sykes, Birmingham
FARAGE CONTROLS OUR COUNCILS
New game – Simple Nigel says "jump" and the councils say "how high?". Looks more and more like we have Reform 'puppet' councils, supposed to be formally independent but in reality are being de facto controlled by an outside power, namely Nigel Farage. I hope for the sake of the residents with Reform councillors in charge, my concerns prove to be unjustified.
