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London Zoo Lease
14 March 2023
Lead MP
Bob Blackman
Harrow East
Con
Responding Minister
Julia Lopez
Tags
EconomyTaxationWomen & Equalities
Word Count: 6246
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Bob Blackman raised concerns about london zoo lease in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Blackman requested the government to extend the lease for London Zoo to 150 years, either through supporting his private Member's Bill or by amending existing legislation. He emphasized the importance of providing certainty on the lease length to attract global investment and improve facilities for both scientists and animals.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Bob Blackman expressed concern about the financial and operational challenges facing London Zoo due to its current lease limit of 60 years under the Crown Estate Act 1961. He highlighted that this short lease period hinders the zoo's ability to raise funds, create new partnerships, expand support programmes for local communities, and invest in site regeneration. The speaker noted that many buildings on the site are listed and require modernisation, which is crucial for sustaining the zoo's role as a leading conservation organisation.
Expressed gratitude towards the Member for Harrow East for initiating the debate, shared a personal anecdote about his grandfather's retirement from London Zoo and a naming scheme for animals born after retirement. Asked the Minister to find out if this scheme still exists and provide an update on any giraffes named after relatives.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends the hon. Gentleman for bringing forward the debate on London Zoo Lease and emphasises the importance of conservation efforts across all UK zoos, including Belfast Zoo. He highlights the need for regular improvements in zoo facilities which requires investment made easier with long-term leases.
Karen Buck
Lab
Westminster North
Karen Buck congratulated the hon. Member for Harrow East on securing the debate and praised London Zoo's role in animal conservation, education, and marine protection. She highlighted that the zoo sees 80,000 children annually and emphasized the need to maintain its facilities to meet changing visitor expectations and support animal welfare standards. Buck also noted the importance of investment for the zoo's business model and its contribution to London's tourist economy.
Nickie Aiken
Con
Cities of London and Westminster
Praised the work done by ZSL at London Zoo, noting its importance for animal conservation, community education, and tourism. Highlighted the zoo's community access scheme offering subsidised tickets to low-income, elderly, and disabled people since 2019.
Barnsley South
London Zoo is a significant economic and educational asset, contributing £24 million annually to the local economy. It hosts over 1 million visitors yearly, including 80,000 schoolchildren for educational purposes. The current lease limitation restricts its ability to fundraise and invest in conservation efforts. A longer lease would facilitate necessary regeneration work on historic buildings and support community access programmes.
Government Response
Julia Lopez
Government Response
Stated the Government's commitment to finding a legislative vehicle for extending London Zoo's lease, highlighting its historical significance, economic impact (£24 million annually), and role in conservation. Acknowledged the zoo's current challenges due to the pandemic and noted plans to modernise animal spaces with naturalistic multi-species zones. Emphasised the importance of accessibility schemes and education initiatives for school students.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.