For a generation, demand for new homes has far outstripped supply. The consequences have been as depressing as they are inevitable. Housing costs in the UK are among the highest in the world, both in absolute terms and relative to average incomes.

The problem is greatest where new homes are most needed. Last year, housing starts soared 20 per cent in Wales, but crept up only 1 per cent in London, precisely where the housing market is most unaffordable. In the wider South East, there was no growth at all.

This is why we need to reform the elephant in the room when it comes to our national housing debate: the Green Belt.

In my new FREER paper, out on Monday, I argue that we should lift restrictions on new housebuilding across England within a half a mile of existing railway, underground, and tram stations,, where that land is not subject to protected environmental classification. This simple move would free up enough land for 1.5 million new homes.

This policy would be a huge breakthrough in terms of our housing needs. But to put it mildly, it would be controversial.

That is why it’s so important to emphasise that Green Belt reform does not mean sacrificing our environment – quite the reverse.