National Trust Acts
Debate between Earl of Devon and Baroness Twycross
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
I feel quite strongly that the National Trust is a charity, and as a charity, government needs to be really careful of the extent to which we take a view on how a charity that has democratic processes should operate. To note the point that the noble Lord made around the voting system, it is for the trustees of the National Trust to determine the running of elections in line with the charity’s governing document, but I note that the National Trust members voted in 2023 to keep the quick vote system. The noble Lord asked a number of questions, one of which was around Clandon Park. I also note that the trust’s proposals in relation to this historic building reflect in-depth conversations with heritage bodies, architectural specialists, community organisations and local residents, and also with over 75,000 visitors to Clandon since the fire.
The Earl of Devon (CB)
My Lords, the National Trust recently announced a bold ambition to return to nature some 250,000 hectares. Given that many of the trust’s holdings consist of unique heritage farmland of the sort immortalised by John Constable and wrestled from nature over centuries, do His Majesty’s Government have any concerns that this rewilding will fall foul of the trust’s statutory purpose to permanently protect places of natural beauty or historic interest for the benefit of the nation?
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
The Government are aware that the trust is working with farmers to restore nature, including those who are tenants on National Trust land. The trust will support the network of farmers across the land to be even bigger players in nature recovery and climate resilience while producing good, healthy food and running sustainable businesses. In the Government’s view, the two are not mutually exclusive.
Listed Historic Buildings
Debate between Earl of Devon and Baroness Twycross
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
I understand that my noble friend Lord Livermore would be happy to look into that point.
The Earl of Devon (CB)
My Lords, I note my interest as steward of listed buildings in Devon, one of which was recently removed from the Heritage at Risk Register, courtesy of works funded by Natural England’s Countryside Stewardship scheme. Given the continued disaster that is the restoration and renewal programme, do the Government know how long it will be before the Palace of Westminster is added to the register?
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
My noble friend the Leader of the House has noted the issues with the heating. I will not comment on the heating, but it is quite warm in the Chamber today—so that at least is positive.
The restoration and renewal programme is a matter for Parliament. I understand that a debate is coming up very soon on this issue, which I encourage noble Lords with a particular interest to take part in. I cannot comment on whether the Palace will be added to the Heritage at Risk Register, but clearly there has been lots of discussion about the issues facing what is an invaluable building for parliamentarians but which is also of historic and cultural value to the country.