Brighton MP defends comments about new towns at Plumpton and Ringmer: ‘Every single corner of this country will need to have new homes’

Lewes politicians and campaigners told Lloyd Russell-Moyle, MP for Kemp Town, to ‘mind his own business’ after his appearance on the BBC Politics Show South East on October 15.

Mr Russell-Moyle criticised local opposition to new towns, saying: “You have to say to local people there are certain parameters you can influence but some things need to be done. The disaster of HS2 was because Britain allowed a NIMBY charter to rule.”

Those angered by his comments included: Lewes Liberal Democrat candidate James Macleary; Lewes District Councillor for Ouse Valley & Ringmer Emily O’Brien; Marc Munier from Don't Urbanise the Downs; and MP for Ringmer and Plumpton Maria Caulfield.

Mr Russell-Moyle, who grew up in Lewes, clarified his views, saying Britain ‘desperately’ needs new homes. He said: “That means every town and village, every single corner of this country will need to have new homes.”

He continued: “I want everyone to be able to grow up in beautiful towns and villages like where I spent my childhood. But, let's be honest, Ringmer is a string development that's had no proper planning. Plumpton Green is right next to a railway station and has huge capacity for growth.”

He went on: “When we talk about development in those areas I think we can talk about it in terms of improving those areas, making them really fantastic places to live. That does mean change.”