Abundance of Wildlife Species Legislative Proposals 2021-07-22
2021-07-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to set a legally binding target for species abundance by 2030, following amendments in the Environment Bill.
If he will bring forward legislative proposals to set a target for the abundance of wildlife species by 2030. The UK is among the most nature-depleted countries; half our wildlife has decreased since 1970 and one in seven species is now at risk of extinction. Given a decade of huge cuts, all the rhetoric and the modest uplift in Natural England funding cannot hide the fact that the Government have consistently missed United Nations biodiversity targets. Minister, in order to show leadership and set an example to the rest of the world, should a natural target not be set now, rather than wait, so that we can stop and reverse the decline of nature by 2030?
I hope the hon. Gentleman will agree that the Government are taking this issue really seriously. We are the first Government to set a target such as this, aiming to halt the decline of nature, and indeed recover it by 2030. We are working on the detail of that target. It will be set, along with all the other targets, through the Environment Bill, which will enable us to work together to raise up nature everywhere, and we will be announcing those targets in October 2022.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for an immediate target was not addressed directly; instead, the answer focused on future actions in October 2022.
Working On Detail Of That Target
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK has seen a significant decline in wildlife since 1970, with half of the species decreasing and one in seven at risk of extinction. The Government have missed UN biodiversity targets due to decade-long budget cuts.
Half our wildlife has decreased since 1970 and one in seven species is now at risk of extinction. Given a decade of huge cuts, all the rhetoric and the modest uplift in Natural England funding cannot hide the fact that the Government have consistently missed United Nations biodiversity targets. Minister, should a natural target not be set now to stop and reverse the decline of nature by 2030?
The Government are taking this issue really seriously. We are bringing through groundbreaking legislation that will put in all the measures needed to tackle these serious issues, including targets in the Environment Bill and a range of grants such as the woodland creation grant and Nature for Climate peatland restoration grant scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for an immediate target was not addressed directly; instead, the answer focused on future legislative actions and funding mechanisms.
Bringing Through Groundbreaking Legislation
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Environmental Audit Committee Chair criticized the Government for grandiose statements without effective delivery mechanisms regarding biodiversity.
Does she agree with the Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, who says that despite numerous policies to leave the environment better than found, they often lack teeth and delivery mechanisms? Where is the plan?
The plethora of press releases demonstrate just how much work is going on. We have groundbreaking legislation, targets in the Environment Bill, and grants such as the woodland creation grant and Nature for Climate peatland restoration grant scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about detailed plans was not addressed directly; instead, the answer focused on ongoing work and press releases.
The Plethora Of Press Releases
Response accuracy