During a heated exchange in the House of Commons, Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos was labeled a “NIMBY” by Housing Secretary Steve Reed. The term “NIMBY” (Not In My Back Yard) is often used to describe individuals or groups who oppose local development despite supporting it elsewhere.
Mr. Amos, representing the Liberal Democrats and serving as the party’s housing and communities spokesperson since July 2024, voiced strong opposition to the Labour government’s recent planning reforms. He highlighted concerns about the government’s approach threatening green spaces, specifically referencing proposed development near the Wellington Monument on the edge of the Blackdown Hills.
In his speech, Mr. Amos warned that the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) would centralize planning control like never before, overriding local plans and removing statutory protections for vital green spaces. “Even the most precious green spaces and natural habitats are under threat,” he said, pointing to the Wellington Monument as a prime example. He also called on the government to allow parliamentary debate and scrutiny over the proposed NPPF, emphasizing the importance of protecting local communities and the environment.
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Responding to these concerns, Housing Secretary Steve Reed, who took office in September 2025, accused Mr. Amos and his party of hindering young people’s access to affordable homes. He described the Liberal Democrats as “NIMBYs,” arguing they were blocking progress needed to address a severe housing crisis marked by rising homelessness and growing numbers in temporary accommodation.
Reed stressed the government’s need to balance local interests with the urgent demand for new housing, insisting that the current planning system is too slow to meet these needs. He asserted that the government has maintained protections for the green belt while pushing for faster construction of new homes to help young people get on the housing ladder.
Rejecting the NIMBY label, Mr. Amos maintained that his constituents seek a fair balance between development and conservation. “They are not NIMBYs; they are trying to protect the most important nature in our country,” he said. Reed clarified that his criticism was aimed at the Liberal Democrats’ stance rather than people who care about green spaces, reaffirming government commitments to green belt protections.
The debate reflects wider tensions over housing policy, environmental protection, and the future of local communities. Adding to this, the National Trust, owner of the Wellington Monument, has launched its “Nature Equals Future” campaign calling for government recognition of nature’s vital role in the UK’s prosperity and well-being.