Boris Johnson’s newt-counting declare questioned

The prime minister has been accused of inventing an allegation that wildlife guidelines are holding again house-building.

In his current speech on job creation, Boris Johnson stated: “Newt-counting delays are a large drag on the prosperity of this nation.”

However environmental teams say the allegation is a political trick with no foundation in reality.

And BBC Information has been unable to seek out proof that wildlife surveys are unduly delaying growth.

Downing Road handed our inquiry to the atmosphere division Defra, which has not provided proof. Nor has Pure England, which is chargeable for wildlife safety.

The Native Authorities Affiliation stated it was not conscious of any proof that newt surveys had been unnecessarily holding again initiatives.

• ‘Newt threat map’ scheme launched
• Spaniel Sherlock Bones sniffing out uncommon newts

And the Dwelling Builders Federation stated it has many considerations over planning, however newt surveys had been on the backside of the record.

“The PM’s speech was pure fiction,” Craig Bennett, head of the Wildlife Trusts, which runs conservation initiatives and training initiatives, instructed the BBC.

“It could sound humorous referring to newts, however truly it was reasonably sinister. Within the atmosphere motion we all know referring to newts is a canine whistle to individuals on the proper of his celebration who need environmental protections watered down.”

There have been complaints about newt-related delays prior to now, however the authorities have moved to hurry permits for brand new developments.

Traditionally, would-be builders must watch for a survey to verify whether or not their plans would possibly disturb nice crested newts, that are unusual in Europe.

Now expertise is taking on. Pure England, is utilizing a way by which samples of pond water are taken and analysed to detect fragments of newt DNA.

The method is so quick that the organisation is usually in a position to perform analysis prematurely so builders can get instantaneous info.

Nice Crested Newts

• Are the largest newt species within the UK and have been round for about 40 million years
• In the course of the breeding season males develop a jagged crest which has a break on the base of the tail and females tackle a “cumbersome” look
• Adults develop as much as 15cm (6in) in size
• Their pores and skin is black or darkish brown with a tough, warty look and their underside is brilliant orange with irregular black blotches
• Populations have disappeared from many websites throughout Europe on account of habitat loss and intensification of farming practices

Supply: Froglife

A springer spaniel known as Freya can be taking part in a component. She works for Wessex Water, sniffing out newts in ponds. The agency says that, because of Freya, it could conclude its surveys in days, not weeks.

What’s extra, if nice crested newts are found, that does not sterilise growth on the positioning.

Underneath current guidelines, the developer can proceed as long as they supply different websites in a method that leaves nature higher off than earlier than.

Newt guidelines have been underneath assault prior to now from politicians complaining that the UK has “gold-plated” EU rules.

However a authorities overview in 2012 stated: “The directives are working properly, permitting each growth of key infrastructure and guaranteeing {that a} excessive stage of environmental protections is maintained.”

The top of Pure England, Tony Juniper, instructed the BBC: “Now we have to seek out the very best methods of pulling collectively our environmental ambition similtaneously the financial one. These two issues need to be pursued collectively, not traded off towards one another.”

Inexperienced teams livid with Mr Johnson are assembly Atmosphere Secretary George Eustice subsequent week to specific their considerations about his speech.

I perceive he’s uncomfortable in regards to the PM’s apparently evidence-free reference to newts.

Observe Roger on Twitter @rharrabin