The Habitats Regulations, which were brought in by a Conservative Government in 1994 in order to implement the European Habitats Directive, ensure major developments do not destroy our most important wildlife sites.

The chancellor bemoaned the burden of 'endless social and environmental goals' on industry and described the Habitats Regulations as a 'ridiculous cost on British business', claiming that they amounted to 'gold plating' on European legislation. Defra is now set to carry out a review of the regulations.

He also failed to rule out the development of an airport in the Thames Estuary saying the Government would look at all options for a new airport hub, except a third runway at Heathrow.

via www.rspb.org.uk

It is any surprise that we have a conservative chancellor making such ridiculous comments?