Legal Protections for Ancient Trees

Lord Kennedy of Southwark Excerpts

Tuesday 23rd June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (GP)]

My Lords—

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

It is the turn of the Lib Dem Benches.

[Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (LD)]

My Lords, I am happy to hear from the Minister that the recommendations will result in the tree action plan by the end of this year, but will she bear in mind that there are no protections for trees that do not have tree preservation orders? By the time people realise those trees are under threat, it is too late: they have come down.

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (GP)]

My Lords—

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

It is the turn of the Cross Benches, then the noble Baroness.

[Lord Trees (CB)]

My Lords, having just turned 80, I declare an interest in the preservation of ancient trees.