The Problems of Analysing Party Politics: Labour and Conservative Approaches to Rural Conservation

Abstract

In his paper on political parties and planning controls, Brotherton tried to explain the political reasons behind each party's approach to the rural environment. Here Brotherton's analysis is challenged and an alternative explanation for Labour and Conservative attitudes towards rural conservation proposed. The emphasis is upon Labour's preference for centralised intervention in the countryside, which contrasts with the more laissez-faire approach favoured by the Conservatives.