Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (Designation)

13 March 2024 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Derek Thomas Con Westbury

Environment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Derek Thomas raised concerns about sites of special scientific interest (designation) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Suggests a Bill to transfer the authority for designating sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) from Natural England to the Secretary of State.
  • Emphasises the historical and current importance of SSSIs in biodiversity conservation, aligning with the Environment Act 2021.
  • Highlights a lack of transparency and accountability from Natural England regarding notification processes and their impact on local farmers.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Derek Thomas Con Westbury

Suggests a Bill to transfer the authority for designating sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) from Natural England to the Secretary of State. Emphasises the historical and current importance of SSSIs in biodiversity conservation, noting that this aligns with recent legislation like the Environment Act 2021 which prioritises environmental principles. Argues that no protections would be lost by transferring designation power to the Secretary of State. Highlights a lack of transparency and accountability from Natural England regarding notification processes and their impact on local farmers, advocating for the Environment Secretary's oversight over SSSI designations.

Other contributors (1)
  • Derek Thomas Con Westbury

    Discusses concerns about the current system of designating SSSIs by Natural England, citing an example from West Penwith where large areas were marked as SSSIs without clear justification or evidence. Argues that this process undermines farmer confidence and can lead to unnecessary restrictions on farming activities which may harm rural economies and food security. Proposes giving the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) authority over SSSI decisions to ensure better scrutiny and balance between conservation and agricultural needs.

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