Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Protection of Dark Skies

16 October 2023 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Duncan Baker Con North Norfolk

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Duncan Baker raised concerns about protection of dark skies in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Member of Parliament for North Norfolk highlighted the importance of dark skies in his constituency, which includes two internationally recognised dark sky discovery sites.
  • The MP emphasised the impact of light pollution on nocturnal wildlife and humans' mental health, and discussed the need for better-quality lighting and reducing unnecessary lights to conserve energy.
  • The Minister acknowledged the urgency of addressing light pollution and noted Defra's work with other Government Departments to tackle the issue, including National Highways' investment in adapting road lighting levels.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Duncan Baker Con North Norfolk

The Member of Parliament for North Norfolk highlighted the importance of dark skies in his constituency, which includes two internationally recognised dark sky discovery sites. He emphasised the impact of light pollution on nocturnal wildlife and humans' mental health. The speech covered global increases in light pollution, its effects on biodiversity, particularly invertebrates, and the role of local planning authorities in managing light pollution. The MP also discussed the need for better-quality lighting, community-friendly measures, and reducing unnecessary lights to conserve energy. He called for national guidance to be more widely utilized and encouraged action from North Norfolk District Council.

Other contributors (2)
  • Andrew Griffith Lab Arundel and South Downs

    The MP highlighted the importance of light pollution guidelines and their impact on nocturnal species, mentioning the work done by conservation organisations.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    The MP emphasised the need for cross-party and cross-departmental collaboration to address light pollution issues effectively.

Government Response

Trudy Harrison

The Minister acknowledged the urgency of addressing light pollution and highlighted the environmental improvement plan, which sets out goals to reduce nature's decline by 2030. She noted the importance of reducing unnecessary artificial light while recognising its role in providing security. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is working with other Government Departments to address this issue. National Highways is investing in technology to adapt road lighting levels based on traffic flows. Local authorities are encouraged to upgrade to sensitive LED lighting where feasible, and statutory nuisance legislation includes artificial light as a potential nuisance. The Minister stressed the commitment of the current government to take light pollution seriously.

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