Bunny huggers?

Not quite sure how to react to this news, in which an English politician disparages those who would insist that developers pay for archaeological excavation before starting development.  It's certainly another depressing illustration of the strategy of dismissing those of us who wish to protect what we have (be it historical artifacts, pristine habitats, or endangered species) as somehow silly or juvenile.  On the other hand, it's a bit refreshing to see that such inanity is not limited to the U.S.  Our brothers across the pond can be assholes too.