Biodiversity Recovery 2025-02-06
2025-02-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK is facing severe biodiversity loss, with up to one in six species at risk of extinction as per the 'State of Nature Report 2023'. The Chancellor recently urged against prioritising nature conservation.
I am concerned about the UK's position as a highly nature-depleted nation. Given that up to one in six UK species faces the risk of extinction, and considering the Chancellor's recent encouragement to focus on economic growth over environmental protection, who is speaking for threatened wildlife? Whose side does the Minister support—the Chancellor or endangered species?
We need to end the false dichotomy between creating places for people and nature. Biodiversity net gain, introduced by the previous Government, ensures that developers deliver a 10% biodiversity enhancement when building new projects. We are also establishing a nature restoration fund which allows obligations related to important sites and species to be discharged at scale, providing significant environmental benefits.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the conflict between Chancellor's growth agenda and biodiversity protection directly.
False Dichotomy
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The Government recently announced a ban on bee-harming neonicotinoid pesticides.
Congratulating the Minister for announcing our plan to ban bee-killing pesticides, does she agree that this move will restore nature and biodiversity for future generations?
I do agree. We will deliver 30 by 30 on land in England, which means protecting and preserving 30% of our land for nature and long-term conservation and management as part of our contribution to international targets.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The government plans to set aside around 20% of farmland for solar farms, tree planting, biodiversity offsetting, and wildlife habitats as part of their green agenda.
Farming communities are facing significant challenges with the government's proposal to take well over 1 million hectares out of food production, potentially leading to the loss of more than 12,000 farms within a generation. Will the Minister acknowledge that farmers are caught in the crossfire between green targets and their livelihoods?
This is something that was being worked on even by the previous Government. The land use framework consultation has been welcomed by the National Farmers Union and farmers for providing certainty and security—something lacking under the previous administration.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address concerns over potential loss of farms and livelihoods.
False Attribution
Response accuracy