Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Protecting and Restoring Wetlands

31 January 2024 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Siobhan Baillie Con Stroud

Environment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Siobhan Baillie raised concerns about protecting and restoring wetlands in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • MP Siobhan Baillie advocated for a national strategy for UK wetlands and a dedicated DEFRA team.
  • Minister Nigel Evans announced plans to establish a UK wetland inventory and enhance protections for Ramsar sites.
  • The minister highlighted current initiatives including 25 million for flood resilience through natural solutions and 300,000 for saltmarsh carbon code projects.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Siobhan Baillie Con Stroud

MP Siobhan Baillie, representing Stroud, advocated for wetland protection and restoration. She highlighted Slimbridge's significance as the headquarters of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and called for renewed focus on four transformative steps: a national strategy for UK wetlands, a dedicated DEFRA team, nutrient offsetting code creation, and expansion of saltmarsh restoration through grants and funds. Baillie emphasised the benefits of wetlands in carbon storage, flood resilience, biodiversity support, and water quality improvement.

Other contributors (1)
  • Rebecca Pow Con Taunton Deane

    MP Rebecca Pow praised Siobhan Baillie's speech and highlighted the UK's commitment to wetland conservation through international conventions, national adaptation plans, and restoration projects.

Government Response

Nigel Evans

Minister Nigel Evans acknowledged the importance of wetlands in biodiversity support, carbon storage, and water quality improvement. He outlined current government initiatives including £25 million for flood resilience through natural solutions, £300,000 for saltmarsh carbon code projects, and a £80 million green recovery challenge fund. The minister also announced plans to establish a UK wetland inventory and enhance protections for Ramsar sites. Evans commended the contributions of all parties in highlighting the value of wetlands.

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