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Heather Burning on Peatlands
23 January 2024
Lead MP
Olivia Blake
Sheffield Hallam
Lab
Responding Minister
Robbie Moore
Tags
TaxationAgriculture & Rural AffairsLocal Government
Word Count: 3846
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Olivia Blake raised concerns about heather burning on peatlands in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should consider an outright ban on heather burning and develop a comprehensive plan for restoring peatland habitats. The current licensing regime is inadequate as it leaves about 60% of UK peatlands unprotected and enforcement is lacking, with only three cases prosecuted in the past two years.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
On October 9 last year, smoke and air pollution in Sheffield Hallam exceeded legal limits by four times. Residents reported difficulty breathing and respiratory issues due to burning heather on moorlands west of Sheffield. Despite the harmful impact on health and environment, such burns can be lawful under current regulations. The burning undermines efforts to address climate and nature crises by damaging blanket peat bog habitats that store carbon dioxide. In the UK, 13% of the world's blanket peat bogs exist, emitting CO2 equivalent to 140,000 cars annually. Degraded peatlands exacerbate flooding due to loss of sphagnum moss, a natural flood defence.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends the hon. Lady for bringing the issue forward, acknowledges that owners and managers of moors try to manage them in an environmentally sensitive way, and suggests that burning helps regenerate the moor for shooting purposes. He asks if there has been any engagement with those managing the moors to find a solution that does not cause inconvenience.
Government Response
Robbie Moore
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Betts. I thank the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Olivia Blake) for securing this important debate. The United Kingdom boasts some of the world's most extensive peatlands with nearly 3 million hectares of peatland area, which are vital as we protect those sites for future generations. In May 2021, regulations were introduced to prevent burning on areas of peat over 40 cm deep on SSSIs or special protection and conservation areas, except under licence. These regulations have led to a decline in burning since their introduction, with DEFRA securing two successful prosecutions last year. The minister highlighted that burning can be necessary for wildfire mitigation and managing heather growth if mechanical means are not possible. Over 1,000 Lantra-accredited training modules have been completed by public and private land managers since the regulations were developed in 2021 to manage their land in a way that reduces the risk from wildfire. The nature for climate fund provides funding for the restoration of at least 35,000 hectares of peatland by 2025, with DEFRA committing to keep protections against burning on peat under review through the third national adaptation programme. Additionally, over £883 million has been given to local authorities to roll out and assist with clean air zones, including Sheffield's. The minister stated that moorland management must consider all options, and the regulations introduced in 2021 have been well received by many stakeholders.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.