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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of harmonising with the Council of Europe's Emerald Network of Areas of Special Conservation Interest; and if she will make a statement.

The Government is currently considering the impact of leaving the EU, including future arrangements for existing legislation. This will include future arrangements for the Natura 2000 suite of sites. The aims and objectives of the Natura 2000 network, designated under the EU Nature Directives, are analogous to those of the Emerald Network, designated under the Bern Convention.