Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

London Zoo Lease

14 March 2023 · 5 other contributors · 6,246 words

Opened by Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

Responding minister: Julia Lopez

Culture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Bob Blackman raised concerns about london zoo lease in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Bob Blackman expressed concern over London Zoo's financial and operational challenges due to the current 60-year lease limit under the Crown Estate Act 1961.
  • Blackman requested the government to extend the lease for London Zoo to 150 years to attract global investment and improve facilities.
  • The Minister acknowledged the zoo's historical significance, economic impact of 24 million annually, and its role in conservation, committing to find a legislative vehicle for lease extension.

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.

Opened the debate

Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

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.

Other contributors (5)
  • James Sunderland

    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.

  • Stephanie Peacock Lab 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

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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