MP launches rural action campaign

Mr Herbert, who joined shadow Rural Affairs minister Jim Pace at the opening of the Royal Show in Warwickshire, said the new initiative had four key aims '“ to respect rural people, give power to rural communities, protect rural services and revive the rural economy.

Under the plans, rural communities would be given the power to resist school closures, and could choose to start new village schools.

Villages would be given the right to build their own affordable homes.

The Rural Action policy paper also would allow councils to oppose development planned for green belt land.

To help improve access to public services, new rural transport solutions would be introduced under a change of Government.

To revive the rural economy, tax rates would be cut for small businesses to encourage growth and protect jobs, allow councils to offer rural business rate discounts and simplify the planning system to improve accountability.

Nick Herbert commented: "Rural England has suffered a decade of disrespect. Local services have been withdrawn, rural communities have been denied a voice, and power has been taken away from local people."

Read the full report in the WSG.