Responding to news that local councils have told the government that its plan to build 1.5m new homes in England over the next five years is “unrealistic”, Green MP Ellie Chowns said: 

“Labour’s housing strategy involves cosying up to big wealthy developers and falling for the myth that the private sector will build the housing that we need. But too many developers are more interested in lining their own pockets than in providing what communities are actually crying out for, which is affordable housing.      

“We can’t privatise our way out of the housing crisis. If we are to build the right homes in the right place and at the right price, we need to build hundreds of thousands of new council and social homes. These need to be in places well served by schools, health services and public transport. Not detached housing estates with a predominance of large expensive homes that make a quick and big buck for developers but are out of reach for most people.” 

Green MP Sian Berry said:

“Today’s decisive vote in Parliament represents how the public feels about this highly sensitive issue. 

“The debate was full of caring and compassion on both sides – with all MPs listening respectfully to one another. 

“Each Green MP came to their decision after listening closely to the debate without being whipped. 

“We are now ready to work cross-party for a final Bill that has had every line closely examined and which will relieve the suffering of people who are dying whilst improving the options available for all of us at the end of our lives.”