The PM says counting these protected amphibians is a barrier to economic recovery. But there’s room in the pond for both

First, I should lay down my cards and show my hand. My name is Jules, and I am a card-carrying fan of newts. I have a pond. I once ran an amphibian helpline for people with questions about newts. I have worn a newt costume at family events. I can’t stress this enough: I genuinely like newts.

Earlier this week, newts featured in Johnson’s Build, build, build speech – where plans were announced to revive Britain’s flagging economy with a programme of construction – housing, hospitals, prisons, roads, schools. But this wasn’t a star turn for newts. Far from it.

This rhetoric pits nature against economic development and reduces us all in the process

Related: We found newts right where we are: Ed Sheeran v the amphibians