Conservative MPs are calling on the Labour party to lower regulatory barriers for marine restoration projects to aid struggling coastal communities in the UK.

According to the Conservative Environment Network (CEN), over 67% of English coastal towns are classified as being in higher deprivation categories, with many facing economic decline due to reduced fishing, shipbuilding, and tourism, compounded by severe weather events.

Britain has experienced a dramatic loss of natural coastal habitats, including an 85% reduction in saltmarshes and a 92% decrease in seagrass meadows.

The CEN advocates for the use of flood defence budgets to fund nature-based solutions and establish highly protected marine areas to combat destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling.

They also emphasize the need for streamlined regulations for initiatives such as the Solent Seascape Project, which aims to restore vital marine habitats between the Isle of Wight and the mainland.

Shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins has endorsed the CEN report, highlighting the necessity of reducing red tape to encourage investments in marine restoration that could create jobs and enhance natural habitats.

Atkins criticized unnecessary regulations that obstruct investment in marine restoration, which is crucial for supporting coastal communities facing economic and environmental challenges.

Kitty Thompson from CEN argues that providing effective solutions for coastal communities could help the Conservatives counteract the influence of other political parties, such as Nigel Farage's Reform UK.

The CEN recommends publishing blue carbon codes to facilitate the measurement and sale of carbon credits from marine habitats, which could enhance funding for coastal resilience efforts and stimulate local economies.

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting coastal communities through a significant £2.65 billion investment for flood defences, including nature-based projects.

Jacques Villemot from Rewilding Britain has criticized the outdated marine licensing framework, asserting that it hampers marine rewilding efforts and should be simplified to better support these initiatives.

Overall, the CEN's report emphasizes the urgent need for policy renewal to protect Britain's seaside towns from ongoing economic and environmental pressures.