A company limited by guarantee and registered in England.

Reg. No. 680007 Reg. Charity No. 204330

Prospective Parliamentary

Candidate responses

General Election 2017

MAIDENHEAD CONSTITUENCY

Up to 7th June 2017

BBOWT contacted all the Prospective Parliamentary Candidates for constituencies in our

region and asked them to set out, in 100 words, their priorities for the natural environment.

These are their replies.

INDEPENDENT – LORD BUCKETHEAD

A statement from Lord Buckethead on the environment: As your MP I will protect your trees, grass, animals, flowers and whatever else in nature that you people take a keen interest in protecting. I have no quarrel with flora and/or fauna, so consider me an ally in your battle to protect it. Apart from Japanese Knotweed, of course. From my time in your country I have come to understand that, to use the native parlance, it is "a right bastard", so upon my election it will be destroyed immediately by lasers. I should like to emphasise my pledge to protect your wild animals without exception, and as your MP I would plan to roll out the legalisation of the hunting of fox-hunters by the end of the next Parliament. Citizens who wish to hunt these strange creatures called "fox-hunters" will be allowed to plan events, wear red jackets, blow trumpets and then do as they please. I suggest you sell tickets.

CONSERVATIVE PARTY – THERESA MAY

There are so many beautiful and picturesque places across the Maidenhead constituency and it has always been a priority for the Conservatives to take care of and secure our natural environment so it is still there for future generations to enjoy. The Conservative manifesto therefore commits us to being the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we inherited it. A Conservative government will produce a comprehensive 25 Year Environment Plan that will chart how we will improve our environment as we leave the European Union and take control of our environmental legislation again. I will always work to protect the character of our part of Berkshire and ensure that we protect and nurture our local natural environment.

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT PARTY – TONY HILL

I treasure the beautiful Thames and Loddon countryside in which we live and am very impressed by the work of BBOWT, and locally of Wild Maidenhead.

My priorities:

Protect nature - Britain’s natural environment is precious; countryside, wildlife and urban green spaces are critical to health, wellbeing and a sense of community.

Incorporate EU environmental protections into UK law as a defence against ‘deregulation’, and provide a framework for improvement

Refocus support for British farmers to producing healthy food and public benefits

Reduce and reverse species decline (birds, bees, etc.) and encourage more

reintroductions like red kites; protect our woodlands

.