Ancient Trees: Protections Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Earl Russell
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Ancient Trees: Protections
Earl Russell Excerpts(6 months, 1 week ago)
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Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)
The noble Lord asks an interesting question, to which I do not actually know the answer. I shall look into it and get back to him.
Earl Russell (LD)
My Lords, our ancient trees are an extremely important part of our national psyche and extremely important for our biodiversity. I welcome the Minister’s comments that the Government are looking at what more they can do to protect our ancient trees, but can I press her further? When do the Government feel they might bring forward legislation in this area? Would the Planning and Infrastructure Bill be such an opportunity?
Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)
The noble Lord made a number of points there, on planning infra- structure, nature, biodiversity and a wider tree strategy. Defra and MHCLG have been talking extensively about environment and planning, and doing a lot of work on that ahead of any legislation in that area. Regarding nature and biodiversity, we are having a number of conversations in Defra on our priority legislation going forward. Clearly, these areas will be part of those discussions.