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Tory MPs have urged Labour to save Britain’s seaside towns by slashing red tape that is holding back marine businesses. A drop in tourism and extreme weather such as flooding, storms and coastal erosion have impacted the economies and environmental resilience of coastal communities.

Victoria Atkins MP, Shadow Environment Secretary, said: “Britain’s once buzzing seaside towns are facing growing economic and environmental pressures. The Conservatives are determined to set out a plan to protect our coastal communities and preserve them for future generations.

“Needless red tape continues to hamstring investment into marine restoration projects that could bring coastal communities jobs, nature abundant habitats, and protection against the growing threats of climate change.

“Cutting this red tape is the common-sense approach the Conservatives champion that shows we are the only party standing up for Britain’s coastlines.”

At least 67% of English coastal towns are in the higher deprivation category and 3,500 properties in England are at risk of disappearing entirely due to coastal erosion, the Conservative Environment Network (CEN) said.

Britain’s coastlines have also experienced a significant decline in natural habitats, having lost around 85% of its saltmarshes and 92% of its seagrass meadows.

This includes: Essex coast salt marshes, the Wash salt marshes, Solent marshes and Morecambe Bay.

CEN, which represents a caucus of dozens of green Tory MPs, called on the Government to streamline processes for new marine restoration projects, such as seagrass and oyster reefs.

The group has also demanded the flood defence budget funds more nature-based solutions, like tree planting or creating wetlands.

Kitty Thompson, head of campaigns at the CEN said: “The teal tide is not inevitable. Reform offers an easy outlet of anger for many coastal towns who have watched their neighbourhoods fade. But they won’t give these communities the solutions they deserve.

“If the Conservatives offer a pragmatic, credible alternative that can deliver for coastal communities, then they can challenge Reform in coastal target seats, stopping them in their tracks.

“A concerted effort to restore nature to the marine environment can and must play a key role in the Conservatives’ plan for coastal communities. By cutting unnecessary red tape and establishing new carbon markets for marine habitats, we will not only restore nature, but drive economic growth along our coasts, helping to unlock new jobs and business opportunities, whilst increasing their resilience to the likes of flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion.”