We need to revisit that planning decision because in many cases across our capital [London], greenbelt land doesn't deserve the name. Car parks, quarries and wastelands are being protected and we are saying there isn't enough land to build the houses we need.
David LammyToo often, the perspectives on housing come from journalists, politicians and property experts, with a focus on the extreme ends of the market. Through the FOURWALLS Film Project, we want to get an accurate picture of the London housing situation through the eyes of the people that live there, and promote discussion around it.
David LammyWe need find the space to build more affordable homes in the city. That involves a number of different policy responses. For example, I've spoken about the need to rethink the greenbelt - the protected land around the edge of London that was originally intended to be protected and retained as an area of natural beauty but in many cases is neither natural nor beautiful.
David LammyI think it's very realistic to think we could provide additional protection for renters because for many people - renting is now the only option. It is also entirely necessary if we are to protect Londoners from rapidly rising rents.
David Lammy