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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the re-introduction of wolves to the wild on biodiversity.

This is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only.

No, the Government does not have any plans to make an assessment of the potential impact of the reintroductions of wolves to the wild on biodiversity. Defra has not assessed the potential merits of reintroducing wolves in England and is not aware of any plans to reintroduce them. Wolves are listed on the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, which means local authorities must licence wolf keeping, and they cannot be released unless into a secure enclosure.

Large predators present some significant challenges to the environment around them.

These would need to be overcome and managed prior to the consideration of their reintroduction. More evidence is needed on the impact of doing so.