Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the scope of legislative proposals needed to end the burning of important peatland habitats.

The Government is committed to phasing out rotational burning on protected blanket bog. We recognise the debate on both sides, and we are considering all the evidence to ensure that any legislation is effective. The considerations are complex, and it is important that we take the right steps to restore and protect this valuable habitat.

We do recognise that there will sometimes be circumstances where vegetation management is necessary and where burning may be the only practicable technique available and we will consider the views of landowners, managers and other stakeholders when assessing the scope of any future restrictions.