Corbyn Criticises Rayner Over Sale of Eight England Allotments

Jeremy Corbyn has strongly criticized Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner for approving the sale of eight allotment sites across England since the general election, describing it as putting a "nail in the coffin" of these precious community spaces. Corbyn, a keen gardener who has tended an allotment in North London for over two decades, emphasized the historical and social importance of allotments, which provide vital space for community cohesion, biodiversity, and access to gardening for those without private gardens. He warned that once lost, allotments never return, making society poorer and more disconnected from nature and food production. The sales, approved under the Allotments Act 1925 with ministerial consent, have sparked concern given the high demand, with approximately 100,000 people on waiting lists for allotments nationwide. While Rayner's department insists that allotments should only be sold when clearly necessary and offer value for money, Corbyn argues the government should be promoting allotments and community gardens rather than sacrificing them for housing development. The debate highlights tensions between addressing urgent social housing needs and preserving green communal spaces important for mental health and social solidarity.