Natural England: Gamebird Release Licensing

Debate between Lord Robathan and Baroness Hayman of Ullock

Tuesday 21st July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I disagree with my noble friend. Natural England gets a lot of attention in certain areas, but it also does a lot of work that is not properly recognised.

[Lord Robathan (Con)]

My Lords, will the Minister explain to Natural England that game crops put out tend to lead to a vast number of songbirds? It is not by chance that they go there to feed. Will she explain that to it so that it can perhaps stop trying to assault people who put down birds?

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I am not aware of Natural England assaulting anybody. However, I do not think this Government have ever said that they are against high-quality shooting. I think we have said quite clearly that we support well-managed estates. In fact, I am going to be visiting one on Friday.

Hares: Close Season

Debate between Lord Robathan and Baroness Hayman of Ullock

Wednesday 24th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I think the rumblings behind me have given the answer to that question. I am determined to find a way to do this, and I will do everything in my power to find a legislative slot. I have a cunning plan; we will have to see whether it comes off. The noble Baroness mentioned mountain hares. Any legislation that we bring forward will be designed to include better protections for mountain hares too.

[Lord Robathan (Con)]

My Lords, I have kept two hares in my time: one 50 years ago, and one about 10 years ago. They were absolutely delightful. I would not dream of hurting hares, and I would not dream of shooting one. However, this is quite difficult, because the close season for hares gives them quite a long time. There may be ways to protect hares, other than what the Minister is suggesting, that we should pursue, including cutting down courses.

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

The noble Lord is entitled to his views on this, as everybody is. However, having looked at the evidence, my view is that a close season should run from the beginning of February through to the autumn.

Global Plastic Pollution Treaty

Debate between Lord Robathan and Baroness Hayman of Ullock

Thursday 11th September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

The noble Lord makes a really important point. We have to continue to reduce our own plastic use in this country. Whereas recycling is important, if you do not have to use it in the first place, that is clearly an even better way to behave. We talk to supermarkets on all sorts of issues, and the noble Lord is absolutely right that this is something that we need to discuss and tackle with them. Consumers are expected to change their behaviour, but it is also important that retailers—and that includes online retailers—ensure that their behaviour is not adding to the plastic pollution problem.

[Lord Robathan (Con)]

My Lords, as so often, I agree entirely with the Minister on this matter—I know it is strange, but it is true. While we all deplore plastic waste—it is horrid, and I think that getting rid of plastic bags in general is fantastic—could she also reaffirm the enormous benefits that plastic brings in everything? We are carrying it now in our telephones and other things. It is really important that we do not throw plastics out with plastic waste.