Bim Afolami MP Questions Prime Minister Rishi Sunak over Countryside Protections 

Hitchin MP Bim Afolami appeared during new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's first Prime Minister's Question Time in Parliament to quiz the third Tory leader in a matter of months over protection for the countryside in North Hertfordshire. 

Sunak faces a stiff challenge, beyond calls for a general election including surging prices, energy shortages, hardship and mounting debt after taking over from the hapless Liz Truss, who in turn replaced the humiliated Boris Johnson.

Mr Afolami has been exploring the possibility of expanding the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) across rural North Hertfordshire around the town of Hitchin for some time.

This autumn he is launching a formal campaign to build public support for the plans and show Natural England – the decision-maker on any extension of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – that there is a strong case for the Chilterns countryside in North Hertfordshire to be included in an expanded AONB. 

With swathes of historic woodland, rolling pastures and precious chalk streams, much of rural North Hertfordshire around Hitchin falls within the Chilterns geographic area, but lies outside of the existing AONB. Inclusion within the Chilterns AONB would recognise this area as one of England's key natural landscapes. 

Bim Afolami MP said:  "Residents have told me that protecting and enhancing our beautiful countryside is one of their top priorities. As a Member of Parliament, I have been a strong supporter of our natural environment, working hard to protect our valuable rare chalk streams and the wider Chilterns countryside of North Hertfordshire 

"Over the past year, I have been working with Conservative colleagues and key stakeholders to build the case for including a vast swathe of our countryside around Hitchin in the Chilterns AONB as part of Natural England's forthcoming review. 

 "Land within an AONB is not just recognised with this status, it is protected from inappropriate development. Being awarded AONB status would unlock new opportunities to enhance our natural environment. From our unique chalk streams to our broadleaf woodlands, the constituency of Hitchin & Harpenden is blessed with stunning, uninterrupted vistas and flourishing flora and fauna. This status would also help our local economy. Being in an AONB would create new benefits for our local farmers, landowners, and communities, and boost local businesses. 

"This is about real action, delivering AONB status would be a huge boon to our local countryside and rural economy. With the support of local residents, I believe we have a unique opportunity to deliver something that will benefit our area for generations." 

PM Sunak who is already facing fresh questions over his decision to reappoint Suella Braverman as home secretary after a former Conservative party chair said she was responsible for 'multiple breaches of the ministerial code', but the current chair said she deserved 'redemption'.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister Sunak said: "I know this is a matter of great importance to [Bim] and his constituents and he is right to highlight the benefit that natural parks and AONBs can bring to our lives and our wellbeing.

"I understand that Natural England is considering an extension of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and I know [Bim] will be vigorously taking up his campaign with them." 

Local residents can sign Bim's petition at www.bimafolami.co.uk/chilterns-aonb.  

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