Mark Harper MP to host public meeting on Government’s Forestry proposals Friday 4th February

This Friday 4th February Mark Harper, MP for the Forest of Dean, will be hosting a public meeting on the Government’s Forestry proposals at The Main Place, Coleford from 19:00 to 21:00.

Speaking in advance of the meeting, Mark Harper said: 

“When this issue first arose in late October 2010 I discussed it with the Ministers responsible for the policy to make sure they were aware of the importance of protecting the Forest of Dean.  However, having established that the Government had no intention of doing anything to damage the Forest of Dean, as a Minister I was not able to set out details or answer questions until my colleagues had finalised the Government’s proposals on which they are now consulting and announced them to Parliament. Now that they have and my constituents have had a chance to look at exactly what the Government is proposing I am in a position where I can have a proper discussion with local people about this issue and I hope that’s what takes place on Friday evening.”

Notes for editors

The duration of the event will be from 19:00 to 21:00 at The Main Place, Coleford, GL16 8RH. 

The Consultation can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/forests/index.htm. The relevant pages for the Forest of Dean are 28-31.

If any media wish to attend please contact Myles Bailey; details below.

Myles Bailey
Parliamentary Assistant to Mark Harper MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

T: 0207 219 1244