Native Species and Wildlife 2021-06-17

2021-06-17

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Roger Gale Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Context
The MP is concerned about the protection of endangered native species.
What steps he is taking to protect endangered native species. I am concerned about the recovery of native species in England. The Government has tabled an amendment to the Environment Bill for a legally binding target for species abundance by 2030, but more action on the ground is needed. The £80 million green recovery challenge fund supports nature-based projects.
We are consulting on the reintroduction of beavers this summer. We must look carefully at management and mitigations needed. The Government is working to produce sustainable food while recovering nature, supporting productive agriculture and nature recovery.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm support for beaver reintroduction or campaign against agricultural land development
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Context
The MP appreciates the work done by East Staffordshire Borough Council, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and other organisations in transforming the Trent valley.
Will my hon. Friend join me in thanking East Staffordshire Borough Council, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and other organisations for their efforts in transforming the Trent valley to create spaces that work for both people and wildlife? The Washlands is a fantastic place with an expansive natural landscape along the river through Burton upon Trent.
Thanking East Staffordshire Borough Council, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and other organisations for their efforts in transforming the Trent valley. Partnerships are key to building successful projects to restore natural and cultural heritage. I visited the Somerset levels where similar partnership working is going well.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Roger Gale Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Context
The MP supports the managed reintroduction of beavers and is concerned about habitat loss from agricultural land development.
First, I would be grateful if my hon. Friend confirmed that her Department will support the properly managed reintroduction of beavers, which can contribute so much to the environment. Secondly, endangered species suffer because of loss of habitat more than anything else. Will my hon. Friend join me in campaigning against the use of agricultural land for development?
We are consulting on the reintroduction of beavers this summer. The Government is working to produce sustainable food while recovering nature, supporting productive agriculture and nature recovery.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm support for beaver reintroduction or campaign against agricultural land development
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Olivia Blake Lab
Sheffield Hallam
Context
The MP questions why the Government's proposed legislation only commits to halting a decline in the abundance of species rather than reversing it.
Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Government have made grand claims about adding species-abundance targets to the Environment Bill to protect native species and wildlife. However, last week they published their amendment; will the Minister explain why the proposed legislation commits only to furthering an objective of halting a decline in the abundance of species rather than reversing it?
The Government is committed to halting the decline of nature by 2030. This commitment includes local and national nature recovery strategies, land and sea protection, landscape recovery schemes, and environmental land management systems. We will consult on the exact detail of the target in 2022.
Assessment & feedback
Did not explain why the proposed legislation only commits to halting a decline rather than reversing it
Response accuracy