Contributions
1,962 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDHigh Seas TreatySupporting our fisheries is an important part of the work that Defra does. We must ensure that when we work on areas of conservation those who fish are also talked to and…10 Mar 2025HANSARDHigh Seas TreatyThe noble Earl makes a very good point. No law or agreement is worth anything unless we enforce it. That is why we are determined to do all that we can to achieve our 30 by 30…10 Mar 2025HANSARDHigh Seas TreatyThe BBNJ agreement establishes the mechanism to designate marine protected areas and other areas-based management tools in areas that are beyond national jurisdiction. We have…10 Mar 2025HANSARDHigh Seas TreatyMy Lords, the Government have created a network of marine protected areas covering 40% of English waters, including the first three highly protected marine areas, which were…10 Mar 2025HANSARDHigh Seas TreatyLet me confirm that the Government are completely committed to ratification of the BBNJ agreement, in line with our determination to re-invigorate the UK’s wider international…10 Mar 2025HANSARDHigh Seas TreatyI have been talking about the marine protected areas. I do not see that our complete commitment to supporting our blue environment will be at odds with that.10 Mar 2025HANSARDHigh Seas TreatyTo confirm, the UN ocean conference is a separate meeting. Therefore, it is not a deadline for ratification of the treaty, but we are committed to the ratification.10 Mar 2025HANSARDBeaver: Reintroduction in EnglandThe Government’s approach to reintroductions more widely needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis. We are committed to providing opportunities for the reintroduction of…27 Feb 2025HANSARDBeaver: Reintroduction in EnglandMy Lords, the Government recognise that beavers can benefit biodiversity, improve water quality and reduce flooding, among other things. However, beavers can also potentially…27 Feb 2025HANSARDBeaver: Reintroduction in EnglandI can be very brief and clear: we intend to do full consultation with stakeholders and work closely with them around any introduction.27 Feb 2025HANSARDBeaver: Reintroduction in EnglandI completely agree with my noble friend. The Government condemn any illegal release of beavers. They not only are unlawful but, as she said, can lead to damage and conflict, and…27 Feb 2025HANSARDBeaver: Reintroduction in EnglandOf course, hare coursing is not allowed in this country. I congratulate the previous Government on tightening up the rules around this, which was really important. The particular…27 Feb 2025HANSARDBeaver: Reintroduction in EnglandThe noble Lord is absolutely right. The Government are very serious about this. Nature-based solutions will be incredibly important if we are to get the outcomes and results that…27 Feb 2025HANSARDBeaver: Reintroduction in EnglandMy Lords, as I said, we recognise the benefits that beavers can bring. Although reintroduction worked extremely well in that particular case, they have to be released into the…27 Feb 2025HANSARDBeaver: Reintroduction in EnglandThe noble Lord is right to say that we need to manage beaver release correctly. A licence is, of course, required to release beavers in England and these are available only for…27 Feb 2025HANSARDBeaver: Reintroduction in EnglandA 2020 evidence review by Natural England found that beaver reintroductions can bring benefits through the restoration of lost natural ecosystems, including boosting biodiversity…27 Feb 2025HANSARDBeaver: Reintroduction in EnglandAs I have said, any introductions are being very carefully managed and licensed. We have a five-step management approach to beavers, which can also come in if there are illegal…27 Feb 2025HANSARDBeaver: Reintroduction in EnglandI reassure the noble Lord that there will be proper consultation and thorough consideration of any aspects of reports or information before any releases take place. I finish by…27 Feb 2025HANSARDWater (Special Measures) Bill [HL]My Lords, in moving Motion A, I will also speak to Motion B. Before I speak to the detail of the changes made in the other place, I start by thanking all noble Lords for their…11 Feb 2025HANSARDWater (Special Measures) Bill [HL]My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Roborough, for his support and his kind words as to how we have reached this position. I agree with him that the Bill leaves this House, as…11 Feb 2025