Sir Oliver Dowden MP has challenged the Labour government’s Green Belt plans for Hertsmere. 

In his first contribution to the House of Commons since moving to the backbenches, Sir Oliver asked for a debate to discuss the protection of the Green Belt. 

Sir Oliver said: ‘The Green Belt was designed precisely to stop soulless, urban sprawl overtaking villages and towns like Borehamwood, Potters Bar, Cuffley, Bushey and other places in my constituency. 

‘Yet the targets imposed on those areas by the Labour government render its protections meaningless. 

‘So will the Leader of the House therefore find time for us to discuss protection of the Green Belt before Labour's policies render to the countryside exactly what socialist policies did to towns up and down this country in the 60s and the 70s?’