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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the practicality, benefits and risks of reintroducing the Dalmatian pelican to the UK; and what steps they are taking to support further investigations of this matter.

Natural England is aware there is interest from certain landowners and stakeholders to release Dalmatian pelican in the UK. Natural England attended a study tour of potential areas in autumn 2025 and has advised that more ecological and social science evidence is needed before full feasibility can be established. To support best practice, Defra has published the Code for Reintroductions and other Conservation Translocations in England (see attached). The Code sets clear expectations for projects, including demonstrating a conservation need, assessing feasibility and risks, securing permissions and meeting legal requirements, and ensuring appropriate release, monitoring and advice from Natural England where needed.