Overview

• Twenty-six rural Labour MPs warn that branding countryside residents as ‘NIMBYs’ is toxic and risks alienating constituencies won in 2024
• Labour Rural Research Group polling of 1,412 rural voters shows 56% firmly reject the ‘NIMBY’ label
• Sixty-five percent of respondents back housing and infrastructure development when it is delivered thoughtfully and reflects local identity
• Almost two-thirds of rural voters report little trust in politicians, highlighting a deepening engagement challenge
• Labour maintains its commitment to build 1.5 million new homes during this parliament alongside necessary supporting infrastructure