Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect and promote Cluniac sites; and what discussions they have had with the European Federation of Cluniac Sites about their UNESCO World Heritage bid.

I recognise the important contribution that Cluniac sites make to our country’s heritage - many of which are already well protected, such as the Grade I Listed Ruins of Lewes Priory amongst others included on the National Heritage List for England.

DCMS and Historic England have had discussions about Cluniac sites and the European Federation and the importance of these places receiving the recognition they deserve. I am pleased to see the network of Cluniac Sites in Europe, which includes sites in the UK, already has international recognition, being designated a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe in 2005.

With the large number of existing UK World Heritage Sites and our commitment to supporting UNESCO’s ambition for a more globally balanced, representative World Heritage List, the UK Government does not currently have any plans to consider additional sites for nomination to UNESCO, beyond those already included on the UK’s Tentative List.