With Labour returning to power with a huge parliamentary majority following a collapse in support for the Conservatives, the industry has reacted to the July 4 election results.
Fran Barnes, Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Chief Executive, said: "We welcome Sir Keir Starmer as incoming Prime Minister and look forward to working with him and the new government for a future where environmental horticulture in the UK can truly grow and flourish.
“The HTA, on behalf of environmental horticulture businesses, urges the Prime Minister and the new government to seize the opportunities that our sector can deliver for the UK. Today could and should be a turning point for a greener and growing future and to reset and give recognition to our fantastic industry. At a time when green spaces are under pressure, when net zero is a real ambition and when climate change is already with us, it is time for a new government to deliver a strategy for environmental horticulture.
“The Horticultural Trades Association represents the entire supply chain for the UK’s environmental horticulture and gardening industry. We are a sector ideally placed to deliver on the challenges of any government – from green growth to net-zero, health and wellbeing to innovation – very few industries can provide the solutions for so much. Moreover, we support the employment of nearly 700,000 people in the UK, generate £6.8bn in tax revenue for the Treasury and deliver untold value to the UK’s 30 million gardeners. We hope the importance of environmental horticulture will not be underestimated in its ability to deliver the UK's economic and environmental ambitions.
“Our sector delivers so much for the country, and we have the potential for significant growth, which would lead to a stronger economy, diverse flora production to mitigate climate change, flooding and air pollution, greening urban areas, an increase in mental and physical health benefits, and provide an exciting industry to start an apprenticeship. However, we need key stakeholders to recognise environmental horticulture’s value as both a policy solution and priority, to take up the encouraging recommendations of the House of Lords Horticulture Committee Inquiry, to be more proportionate to SMEs with regulation, and to act quickly to solve the concerns of border trade, allowing our tree and plant growers to import vital plant products without existing uncertainties and burdens. Once again, we congratulate Sir Keir Starmer and look forward to a constructive future relationship with the sector.”
Carolin Göhler FLI, President, Landscape Institute, said: “The Landscape Institute extends its congratulations to the Labour party and new prime minister, Keir Starmer, for winning this week’s general election.
“The UK faces multiple and interrelated challenges – from climate and nature emergencies to public health, wellbeing and housing. The new government now has a responsibility to address these challenges with landscape-led, nature-based approaches, and an integrated policy agenda that adds positive social, environmental and economic value to our country.
“We call on the new government to:
- Scale up climate resilient, low carbon development.
- Drive education, awareness and skills for a greener and more resilient economy.
- Promote a combined approach to environmental policy.
- Champion the power of nature for health and wellbeing.
“The Landscape Institute welcomes discussion on how to effectively deliver on these issues, and on the solutions that landscape professionals can provide. We look forward to working together with ministers, civil servants, local authorities and other decision makers across all the UK nations, to make a positive difference to people, place and nature.”
New Government must take the lead to make the UK healthier, happier and more prosperous
The National Sector Partners Group (NSPG) has issued the following statement following the result of the 2024 General Election: “We welcome the newly elected Labour Government and look forward to working with it to unlock the full potential of the sport, recreation and physical activity sector to achieve the five missions set out in its manifesto.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces an in-tray including a physical and mental health crisis across all ages, a stagnant economy, concerns about community safety and growing inequalities.
“The sport, recreation and physical activity sector can play a major role in addressing these challenges and transforming the lives of millions by improving physical, mental and social wellbeing from childhood onwards; taking pressure off the NHS; creating a healthier, more productive workforce; fostering community cohesion; reducing crime and anti-social behaviour; and strengthening PE and school sport.
“Rather than an after-thought, the principle of getting more people, more active, more often must be embedded as a priority right across Whitehall. It needs to be led from the very top of Government and it needs to be backed by proper investment.
“We call on the new Government to pledge to make the UK the most physically active nation in Europe. This is no small task, but the prize is enormous: it would deliver an additional £3.6bn in economic growth, £1bn in NHS savings and £71bn in wellbeing benefits.
“The new Government has the opportunity to work with our sector, take the lead, and drive that change. The sport, recreation and physical activity sector stands ready to play its part in delivering a healthier, happier nation.”
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “A sea change in our political landscape brings with it the opportunity to apply fresh thinking on critical issues.
“The new Labour Government has an ambitious long-term agenda but knows people will want to see tangible results in a short space of time. We need it to follow through on the commitments made to tackling climate change, upgrading cold, damp homes and supporting young people into employment.
“But we also need the new government to accelerate what was already underway and draw on the insight of those already working in and with communities to bring about change. This includes finalising a green jobs plan, improving the social and green infrastructure of our towns and cities and extending the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to improve the prospects of people and places feeling left behind.
“Most importantly Sir Keir Starmer’s new administration has the opportunity to set out a positive and exciting vision for a fair and green future – demonstrating the value of tackling social, economic and environmental issues together. Reducing carbon is good for business, helping nature recover is good for our health and promoting sustainability helps address the ongoing cost of living crisis.”
