Anna Soubry has welcomed the Government’s decision to withdraw the public consultation document about the future of our forests and woodlands. The Secretary of State, Caroline told the House of Commons it was clear from the early responses to the consultation that the public and MP’s were not happy with the proposal.

Anna described Mrs Spelman’s apology and admissions that the Government  had  got this one wrong as courageous.

“Many people have already said how refreshing it is to hear a politician admit they have made a mistake and say sorry. I would like to thank everyone who took the trouble to contact me. I had my own concerns about the proposals and promised to continue to lobby at the highest level and to represent my constituents.  I had already had two meetings with the Secretary of State and last week raised the issue in a meeting with the Prime Minister. I had little doubt the consultation document would be withdrawn though I thought it would come at the end of the twelve week consultation.

The Secretary of State also announced she is setting up an independent panel to look at the future of our publicly owned forests, which will report to her by the autumn.

The panel will advise me on the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in England, and on the role of the Forestry Commission and the public forest estate. The panel will include representatives of key environmental and access organisations, alongside representatives of the forestry industry.

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