Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Animal Testing: Welfare of Dogs 

Selaine’s response: 

I am proud that the UK has consistently led the way on animal welfare, and it is right that we cement our status as a global leader by continuing to raise the bar. I am pleased that this Government's unique Action Plan for Animal Welfare committed to maintaining high standards of protection where procedures are undertaken on live animals for scientific or educational purposes. 

The use of animals in scientific research remains a vital tool in improving our understanding of how biological systems work in health and disease, and in the development of new medicines, treatments and technologies. However, animals are only used in research when there are no suitable alternatives, and any tests are carried out under controls that keep suffering to a minimum. This is known as the last resort principle, which will be retained and strengthened in the Environment Bill. Please be assured that I am opposed to animal tests where alternative approaches could be used. 

I welcomed the introduction of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill to Parliament. This Bill will not only enshrine recognition of animal sentience in domestic law, but will also establish an expert-led Animal Sentience Committee, which will produce reports on the impact of policy decisions on animal welfare. Further, I am pleased that the new Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act has enabled tougher prison sentences for the most serious perpetrators of animal cruelty, from the previous maximum of six months to up to five years. The maximum five-year sentence is one of the toughest punishments in Europe, strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader on animal welfare. 

I hope this offers the reassurance that this Government is deeply committed to maintaining the very highest standards of animal welfare in research. 

July 2021 

‘Stop Sea Blasts’ Campaign

Selaine’s response:

I believe we should do all we can to protect the welfare of our marine life, especially the whale, and from my conversations with ministerial colleagues I know they feel the same. I understand that there are estimated to be between 300,000 and 500,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance left over from World War I and II in UK waters. Many of these unexploded bombs lie in areas which are heavily used by marine industries, including offshore wind, and the bombs must be removed to allow safe working conditions. However, clearance of these munitions using traditional high order detonation causes significant underwater noise which has the potential to disturb and injure marine mammals.

I am therefore pleased that ministers are working closely with the Marine Management Organisation, nature conservation bodies and marine industries to reduce underwater noise, but it is important that they ensure any clearance method used is both safe and effective.

Ministers are investigating the nature and intensity of the underwater noise resulting from the detonation of unexploded ordnance alongside alternative methods of clearance such as low-order deflagration. Controlled inland quarry trials of deflagration, funded through the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Strategic Environmental Assessment research programme, have indicated a positive reduction in noise. I understand that further research is planned to determine if these initial findings are transferable to the offshore marine environment where environmental variables and conditions can make bomb removal more challenging when compared to a controlled quarry environment.

At-sea trials are planned to begin this summer to characterise, for the first time, the resulting noise and chemical contaminant releases in the marine environment, and to determine whether the technology is safe and effective on historic ordnance that have been left in the marine environment for many years.

I know that with an improved evidence base, and with continuing support and advice from the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, the Marine Management Organisation will be able to make better informed licensing decisions around the use of such techniques in English waters. Improving the evidence will mean licence conditions will become better defined, measurable and enforceable.

We have an exceptional opportunity to revitalise our marine landscape, particularly in the South West, to harness its ability to capture carbon and base zero carbon energy production through Floating Offshore Wind Turbines. To enable this, we must clear and make safe our seabed, that in no way should distract us from doing it as safely and as possible.

July 2021

Alcohol and Beer Duty

Selaine’s response:

In 2013, the Government took the decision to end the beer duty escalator, and beer duty has been frozen or cut several times since then. Duty on spirits has been frozen over the past two years, and as a result of these changes, a typical pint is cheaper than it would have been. I share the concerns about the future of pubs and the hardship caused by the coronavirus outbreak, and the steps taken by HMRC to make it easier to claim back the duty on any beer thrown away as a result of pub closures were a timely and sensible intervention.

I welcome the Chancellor’s announcement that, for the second year running, alcohol duties will be frozen, covering duty on spirits, beer, wine, and cider which will save drinkers £1.7 billion.

I am encouraged that the Government and the Treasury recognise the importance of supporting our pubs and keeping costs down for customers, and I welcome the Chancellor’s commitment in the recent Budget to extend this support. There is a broad recognition of the need to reform the current duty system to support the alcoholic drinks and pubs sector in the longer term, and on 1 October 2020, a call for evidence for reform of Alcohol Duty was published.

Additionally, I welcome the temporary cut to VAT from 20% to 5% for all food and non-alcoholic drinks, which has been extended until the end of September and will be followed by a 12.5% rate until 31 March 2022. I have written to the Chancellor about extended support in this area and have worked with and spoken to many pubs and restaurants in North Devon over the course of the last 18 months. I am doing a selection of ‘village surgeries’ over the summer at some rural pubs and over the winter I ran the ‘take out to help out’ competition to highlight the innovative and great work done by many of our pubs who adapted their operations during the pandemic.

I am confident that the VAT changes will continue to support restaurants, pubs, bars, cafés and similar premises across the UK but I will always be pushing for more.

July 2021

Fur Trade 

Selaine’s response:

We have a proud history in this country on animal welfare, however my ministerial colleagues and I know there is more that can be done. I am encouraged that as an independent nation we are now able to re-examine some of our animal welfare laws, including the import of fur for use in fashion products. 

Fur farming has been banned in England and Wales since 2000 and since 2002 in Scotland and Northern Ireland. As well as this, there are already restrictions on some skin and fur products which may never be legally imported into the UK. These include fur and products from cats and dogs, and seal skins and products from commercial hunts. The UK has established controls on fur from endangered species protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and this country does not allow imports of fur from wild animals caught using methods which are non-compliant with international humane trapping standards. 

I appreciate that there is considerable support for banning all imports of fur products. We have some of the highest welfare standards in the world, and that is both a source of pride and a clear reflection of UK attitudes towards animals. While there are the existing import restrictions listed above, it is still possible to import other fur from abroad. I am therefore pleased that a call for evidence has now been carried out, alongside the Scottish and Welsh governments, to seek views from the public and businesses surrounding animal welfare as well as the social and economic impacts associated with the fur trade, both at home and abroad. I understand that the views, data and case studies received will be vital to helping to inform future government policy in this area, including by better understanding the trade both at home and abroad, and I look forward to reading the results in due course. 

July 2021 

Trophy Hunting 

Selaine’s response: 

I understand that there is a great strength of feeling around this issue. The Government is committed to doing all it can to support wildlife and the environment, both in the UK and internationally, and I am pleased that the recent Queen's Speech reaffirmed that ministers will be delivering on the manifesto commitment to ban the import of hunting trophies from endangered species. 

The consultation on controls on the import and export of hunting trophies, which closed in February 2020, was the first step in fulfilling this commitment and provided an opportunity for respondents to offer views on which species they considered needed further restrictions. I understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the publication of the Government response to this consultation and accompanying call for evidence on controls on the import and export of hunting trophies. However, ministers are continuing to work on this important area and will publish a response as soon as they are able to do so. 

Climate change and global biodiversity decline are interlinked threats for wildlife and people. I know that biodiversity is declining at a dangerous and unprecedented speed, and species extinction rates are accelerating, with up to 1 million species threatened. Overexploitation is one of the drivers of species extinction and additional pressures on vulnerable species can result from unsustainable or inappropriately managed activity. I believe that transformative changes are needed to restore and protect nature. 

In the 25 Year Environment Plan, the UK Government committed to providing international leadership in protecting and improving international biodiversity and undertaking international action to protect endangered species. This international leadership is underpinned by a strong commitment to ensuring that the UK’s domestic policy does not threaten the conservation of species abroad. While I recognise that some conservationists believe trophy hunting can be an effective conservation tool, supporting local livelihoods and attracting revenues for other conservation activities, it is also important to acknowledge concerns around the practice of trophy hunting. I therefore look forward to seeing how the Government's proposed action addresses these concerns. 

July 2021 

Live Animal Exports 

Selaine’s response: 

Live animals commonly endure excessively long journeys during exports, causing distress and injury. Previously, EU rules prevented any changes to these journeys, but leaving the EU has enabled the Government to pursue plans which would prevent unnecessary suffering of animals during transport and see the UK become the first country in Europe to end this practice. Following a public consultation on the manifesto commitment to end excessively long journeys for animals for slaughter and fattening, I am pleased that the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill has now been introduced to Parliament. This Bill will allow the UK to become the first European country to end this practice.  

I understand that under the Bill export journeys for slaughter and fattening that use England or Wales as a land bridge would not be permitted. I am assured that the legislation will not impact on domestic slaughter and fattening movements, and that the export of poultry, as well as animals being exported for breeding purposes, will continue to take place providing animal welfare is suitably protected.  

As part of the consultation process, ministers also looked at proposals to generally improve animal welfare in transport, such as new maximum journey times, new requirements for thermal conditions and ventilation, space and headroom allowances and tighter rules for transporting live animals by sea. I understand that an official response to the consultation will be published in due course.  

I know there is longstanding concern over the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening and many have campaigned for decades against this practice. I truly believe ending live exports for slaughter and fattening will signal this country’s intention of continuing to be a world leader in animal welfare by maintaining and strengthening our already high animal welfare standards. 

July 2021  

Deposit Return Scheme 

Selaine’s response: 

We can be in no doubt that plastic is wreaking havoc on our marine environment and degrading our most precious habitats. It is absolutely vital we act now to tackle this threat and curb the millions of plastic bottles a day that go unrecycled. 

I am pleased that ministers remain committed to developing a deposit return scheme in England for single use drinks containers to incentivise people to recycle plastic and glass. These schemes see consumers pay an up-front deposit that is redeemed on return of the empty drink container. A second consultation has now been carried out which builds on the first and offered a chance to explore further what the continued appetite is for a deposit return scheme in a ‘post-Covid’ context. This second consultation will also inform how a future scheme can be designed in the best and most coherent way possible to deliver on the objectives set out for introducing such a policy. I understand that timelines have been reviewed to ensure sufficient time is allowed for the roll out of a complex policy, and ministers therefore propose to implement the scheme in 2024. 

The Government has already taken strong action to reduce plastic waste; 15.6 billion fewer bags have been handed out to shoppers by the seven main retailers since the introduction of the plastic bag charge in 2015 and the ban on plastic microbeads in cosmetic products has been welcomed as one of the toughest in the world. It is now time to take action on plastic bottles to help clean up our oceans. 

July 2021 

Plastic

Selaine’s response:

Please be assured that this Government is committed to tackling plastic pollution, both domestically and internationally. This is also an issue I take extremely seriously myself, and I have frequently spoken in Parliament on the issue, as well actively engaged on the ground in North Devon with a range of my own and other people’s initiatives.

The Government’s landmark Environment Bill will introduce a raft of new powers to step up the fight against plastic pollution and litter. We are committed to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, which will recycle billions more plastic bottles and stop them being landfilled or littered. The Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for packaging will make manufacturers responsible for the full net cost of recycling their packaging waste and encourage more recyclable packaging. There are also plans to introduce Consistent Recycling Collections for every household and business in England, ensuring more plastic is recycled and not condemned to landfill.

The Government will consult on a ban on the export of plastic waste to non-OECD countries, and ministers will have new powers that will make it easier to place charges on single-use plastic items that threaten our ecosystems. The Government is also introducing a world-leading new tax set at £200 per tonne on plastic packaging which doesn’t meet a minimum threshold of at least 30% recycled content from April 2022, to encourage greater use of recycled plastic to tackle the problem of plastic waste and protect our environment. Building on the success of our carrier bag charge to date, it has now been increased to 10 pence and extended the obligation to charge to all retailers.

In Plastic Free July, I believe these policies are particularly pertinent, and I would encourage you, and indeed all of my constituents, to consider making the switch to refuse to use single use plastics. These plastics blight our local environment, coasts, and oceans, and are not only unsightly when littered, but cause great harm to our marine and land wildlife. As I highlighted in my World Ocean Day 2021 debate in Parliament, although plastics, microplastics, and nurdles cause visible and tangible impact on land, much of the impact of plastic in our oceans is not visible, and requires a change in actions at home.

Internationally, the UK launched the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance (CCOA) in 2018, along with our co-chair Vanuatu, to reduce marine plastic pollution. Since its launch, 34 Commonwealth member states have united to take action on tackling plastic pollution. To support the ambitions of the CCOA, the UK has committed up to £70m to tackle plastic pollution entering the ocean, which includes boosting global research, supporting developing countries, and making efforts to transition to more sustainable forms of manufacturing.

The UK’s Commonwealth Litter Programme (CLiP) has supported several Commonwealth countries to develop National Marine Litter Action Plans which focus on preventing plastics from entering the ocean, with emphasis on capacity building and developing plastics monitoring programmes. Since 2018, the UK has supported the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) to create collaborative platforms for businesses across the plastics supply chains to collaborate with NGOs and governments on tackling marine plastic pollution. Partnerships have been launched in Vietnam, Indonesia and Ghana.

A new global agreement would build upon the important work we are already doing to tackle marine litter domestically and internationally and support our commitments to eliminate plastic entering the ocean. I am therefore pleased that the UK supports starting negotiations on a new global agreement on marine litter and microplastics at the continuation of the 5th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) in 2022.

I have personally written to ministers in the Department for Health and Social Care, and the Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, to raise the problem of plastic pollution in the oceans, and the associated health effects for humans and wildlife, and I will share their responses on my website when they write back to me.

I also want to stress my support for Plastic Free North Devon, who are a fantastic local group, who do so much work locally campaigning to reduce plastics. One campaign of theirs that I particularly support is that of preventing the sale of cheap, low quality, polystyrene bodyboards in shops in North Devon. These cheap, poorly designed and badly made boards not only cheat parents out of their hard earned cash, but by breaking easily often end up discarded on our beaches. Marine life can and do mistake them for food, and the consequences are causing some serious harm to our local ecosystem. It is not right that these boards are allowed to be sold in North Devon, or indeed anywhere.

I hope this response reassures you not only that the Government is committed to tackling plastic pollution, but that it is a deep and personal issue for me too, and one that I am committed to engaging with and tackling properly. However, we can all do our bit, for example by joining one of Plastic Free North Devon’s beach cleans, and as a community I know that together we will make a big difference. You can find out more about Plastic Free North Devon by visiting their website: www.plasticfreenorthdevon.org, or visit my website, www.selainesaxby.org.uk, for the latest information on what local initiatives may be happening.

July 2021

Hedgehogs

Selaine’s response: 

The hedgehog is an extraordinary creature with a long and celebrated history in North Devon and the UK as a whole. I am pleased that these creatures are currently protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 from being killed using prohibited methods such as crossbows, traps and snares.  

The Environment Bill contains measures that will help improve the status of threatened species, including the hedgehog. This includes a requirement to set at least one long-term, legally binding target in relation to biodiversity, as well as strengthening the duty on public authorities to take action to conserve and enhance biodiversity. Ministers are also acting, through net gain provisions in the Bill, to support the role of new development in helping protect and create the habitat that our native species, including hedgehogs, need to thrive. Further, ministers will be amending the Bill in the House of Lords to require a historic, new legally binding target on species abundance for 2030 with the aim of halting the decline of nature in England. 

I also very much welcome the measured approach to environmental reform that the Secretary of State will take. Ministers will consult with the new Office for Environmental Protection, and work with conservation groups on any proposals they develop before any regulatory changes are made. In addition, later this year, a Green Paper will be brought forward setting out plans to deliver a regulatory framework that is fit for purpose, including the objective of protecting 30% of terrestrial land by 2030. I know that we need a revised approach to deliver this new species abundance target and better support iconic and much-loved native species like the hedgehog. 

Further, the Government is working to determine the specific actions that will reward farmers and land managers under the new environmental land management schemes. These could include creating, managing and restoring habitats such as woodland, heathland and species-rich grassland, which could all benefit species such as hedgehog. 

July 2021 

Great Big Green Week 

Selaine’s response: 

Thank you to those who have brough the Great Big Green Week to my attention, which is taking place from 18-26 September this year. I am pleased that this is taking place before COP26 to encourage further awareness of the key issues surrounding climate change. I appreciate those who have taken the time to invite me to meet them to discuss these issues ahead of the Great Big Green Week.  

Unfortunately, due to a very busy diary in the months ahead, I do not have time to schedule any meetings before the Great Big Green Week. However, I will continue to closely monitor the Government's work in the run up to COP26. 

I note the concerns raised to me about global temperatures. The landmark Paris Agreement of 2015 aims to halt global warming at well below 2°C, while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. I was delighted that when we hosted the G7 in June 2021, world leaders committed to accelerating efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and keep the 1.5°C global warming threshold within reach. In addition, they committed to protect the planet by supporting a green revolution that creates jobs and cuts emissions. 

I hope that further global action is achieved at COP26, and am hosting my own event at the start of the Great Big Green Week for COP26. 

June 2021

Kept Animals Bill

Selaine’s response: 

The UK has a long history of leading the way on animal welfare. I am pleased that now we have left the EU, the Government is committed to improving our already world-leading standards by delivering a series of ambitious reforms, outlined in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare. Building on the Action Plan, the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill will bring in some of the world’s highest and strongest protections for pets, livestock and kept wild animals. I look forward to supporting the Bill as it makes its way through Parliament. 

Primates are highly intelligent animals with complex needs and require specialist care. I am pleased that through the Bill the Government will deliver on the manifesto commitment to introduce a ban on keeping them as pets, ensuring that all primates being kept privately in England are being kept at zoo-level standards and that ownership of primates at a level below these standards is phased out. 

I understand that live animals can endure excessively long journeys during export, causing distress and injury. EU rules prevented any changes to these journeys, but the UK Government is now free to pursue plans which would see a ban on the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening. This Bill will ensure that the UK is the first European country to end this practice. 

I want to reassure you that I take the issue of illegal puppy imports very seriously.  I am pleased that the Bill will introduce new powers to tackle the unethical trade of puppy smuggling by reducing the number of pets, including dogs, cats and ferrets, that can travel under pet travel rules. It will also provide powers for the Government to bring in further restrictions on the movement of pets on welfare grounds, and allow for enforcement measures to support these restrictions. Further restrictions could include an increase in the minimum age of imported puppies, as well as the prohibition of the import of pregnant dogs and dogs with mutilations such as cropped ears and tails. 

June 2021 

World Ocean Day

Selaine’s response:

I believe we are at a pivotal moment, and we must take urgent action now to safeguard the world’s oceans and protect the precious wildlife that inhabit them. I therefore held a debate in Parliament on World Ocean Day 2021 itself, where I discussed what more can be done to protect and restore our oceans.

As a Marine Conservation Society Blue Carbon Champion in Parliament, I am committed to pushing for a UK wide blue carbon strategy which recognises the vital role marine and coastal ecosystems play in tackling the climate crisis. Blue Carbon is such an important part of our efforts to fight climate change, yet is not something that is currently well or widely understood, so it was fantastic to have this opportunity to debate it with colleagues.

I am pleased that in this vital year for the ocean, the UK will showcase global leadership in tackling key pressures facing the ocean through our COP26 and G7 Presidencies and use our influence to advocate for greater action and global collaboration. It is also great that the UK has accepted the position as Ocean Co-Chair of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People.

Between this and the UK led Global Ocean Alliance, there are now 80 countries supporting a target to protect at least 30 per cent of the global ocean by 2030, and Ministers assure me that they are working hard to secure the adoption of this target at the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of Parties later this year, where the post2020 global biodiversity framework will also be adopted. I am proud that the UK is pushing to protect at least 30% of the global ocean in Marine Protected Areas and other effective area based conservative measures by 2030. But I think we can do more to reach ‘30by30’, and I strongly hope that 2021 will be a marine super year.

Domestically, the UK Marine Strategy supports the vision for ‘clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas.’ I understand that ministers are currently preparing an update to the UK Marine Strategy Part 3, outlining the programmes of measures that will continue to move the UK towards Good Environmental Status in its seas. Further, it is encouraging that 38% of UK waters are in Marine Protected Areas, and in my Parliamentary debate, and as a Blue Carbon champion, I have continued to advocate that these must be effectively protected. I am particularly pleased that plans to increase protections for England’s waters through a pilot to designate marine sites as Highly Protected Marine Areas have now been launched. These selected sites will see a ban on all activities that could have a damaging effect on wildlife or marine habitats, a crucial part of protecting our oceans and of protecting our environment.

Finally, the UK is driving forward action to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean, through the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, a growing group of 34 Commonwealth member states. On a local level, I also frequently organise litter picks across North Devon, including on the beaches, as keeping plastic out of oceans is something that all of us can contribute to.

Ministers have also committed up to £70m to help developing countries to prevent plastic waste entering the ocean, and to a new £500m Blue Planet Fund, to help developing countries protect the ocean from key human-generated threats, including pollution.

I was really pleased to see such widespread support from Parliamentary colleagues for protecting and securing our oceans when I held my debate on World Ocean Day, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Government to advance one of the most ambitious climate agendas in the world.

June 2021

Driven Grouse Shooting

Selaine’s response:

I know that many people have strongly held views about this subject, and I want to see a vibrant, working countryside enhanced by a diverse environment here in the UK.

I have met with a number of local shoots to better my knowledge of how they work safely and in compliance with the country’s conservation laws, which are among the toughest in the world.

I understand that game shooting contributes to the goal of a working countryside, especially here in North Devon where so many jobs are directly related to shoots, and further afield, such as in the uplands, where grouse shooting is one of the mainland uses along with grazing and forestry. I therefore do not support a ban.

June 2021

Caged Gamebirds

Selaine’s response:

I have a high regard for animal welfare, which I am pleased is protected by comprehensive and robust legislation. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 already makes it an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any animal, including gamebirds.

This legislation is backed up by the statutory Code of Practice for the Welfare of Gamebirds Reared for Sporting Purposes. The code recommends that when birds are housed or penned, the accommodation should be well constructed and managed and of sufficient size to ensure good health and welfare.

Specifically, the code recommends that barren raised cages for breeding pheasants and small barren cages for breeding partridges should not be used and that any system should be appropriately enriched. Keepers are required by law to be familiar with this code, which encourages the adoption of high standards of husbandry. Failure to observe the provisions of this code may be used in support of a prosecution.

These rules are enforced by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, as well as by local authorities, who can both carry out routine welfare inspections and investigate complaints. Prosecutions can be brought where necessary.

I am pleased that the Government has taken action to ban cages or close confinement systems where there is clear scientific evidence that they are detrimental to animal health and welfare. For example, the use of battery cages for laying hens has been banned since 2012.

June 2021

Selaine’s response:

The Government continues to provide a strong safety net through the welfare system for those who need extra support, whilst simultaneously working to support economic recovery and get people back into work as quickly as possible. While there are currently no official statistics on the number of foodbanks, which are independent charitable organisations, the Government added questions on food security to the Family Resources Survey. This will give a better understanding of the lived experiences of families affected by food insecurity.

Universal Credit (UC) has provided a safety net for six million people during the coronavirus pandemic. Advances are available urgently should anyone be in significant financial distress, and the Government has recently lengthened the payback period from 12 months to 24 meaning in effect someone can receive 25 payments over 24 months.

I understand from discussions with my colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions, the Government prioritised measures that could be quickly and effectively operationalised to benefit those likely to be facing the most financial disruption during the pandemic.

As a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee I am all too aware of the concerns raised by the Trussell Trust and regularly hear evidence from them and other organisations that work closely with those experiencing food insecurity and we continue to seek solutions to this important issue.

June 2021

Calories on Menus

Selaine’s response:

My colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care recognise the concerns people with eating disorders may have on measures to reduce obesity, and I support their commitment to striking a careful balance between enabling people to make healthier food and drink choices whilst not negatively impacting on those with or recovering from an eating disorder. I completely appreciate and understand the concerns about calorie labelling at large out-of-home businesses with 250 or more employees.

Alongside work to develop the obesity strategy, an equality assessment was undertaken to understand the impact of these proposals, including on people with eating disorders. My understanding is that, although some research has shown that label use on packaged foods was related to engagement in some unhealthy weight behaviours, there is a larger likelihood of participants engaging with healthy weight control behaviours. With eating disorders on the rise, please let me assure you that tackling these disorders through early and effective treatment remains a key priority of our NHS.

With more than a third of children leaving primary school overweight or obese, and nearly two thirds of adults, it is vital that we equip people with the information to make decisions about their food intake. Information on the energy content of food and drink is already widely available in supermarkets through mandatory nutrition labelling requirements on pre-packaged foods and some restaurants. I know that the Government is committed to striking a careful balance between informing and educating people to make healthier choices, while not negatively impacting people with eating disorders or those in recovery from eating disorders. This issue will, of course, require careful monitoring, and I will certainly keep a close eye going forwards.

May 2021

Snares  

Selaine's response:

I am aware of the concerns around the use of snares, which can cause immense suffering to both target and non-target animals. It is an issue my ministerial colleagues are looking at closely as part of the continued drive to maintain the highest animal welfare standards in the world. 

When practised to a high standard, and in accordance with the law, snaring can offer an effective means to reduce the harmful impacts of foxes on livestock, game and wildlife. Snares are commonly used in the UK to catch certain animals prior to their killing and current legislation provides strong protection for threatened species and the welfare of trapped animals. Those committing an offence can face prosecution, an unlimited fine or even a custodial sentence. 

Snares are controlled in England and Wales under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This prohibits the use of self-locking snares and the setting of any type of snare in places where they are likely to catch certain non-target animals such as badgers. It also requires snares to be inspected on a daily basis, and snares must not be set where there is evidence of regular use by non-target species 

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 prohibits causing unnecessary suffering to animals under the control of man, including those animals caught in traps. Trapped animals should be released from a snare trap as soon as reasonably practicable after discovery to ensure they do not unnecessarily suffer, and not doing so could be a breach of the 2006 Act and could therefore lead to prosecution. 

The onus is on trap operators to act within the law and consider their responsibilities in ensuring that their activities do not harm protected species or cause any unnecessary suffering. If you believe an individual is inflicting unnecessary suffering on animals, the matter should be reported to the police. 

April 2021 

Trespass

Selaine’s response:

I know the value so many people here in North Devon place on access to the countryside, and I would like to reassure you that the new measures which have now been set out by the Secretary of State will not affect ramblers, the right to roam or rights of way. Instead, the new proposed measures will be applied in specific circumstances relating to trespass with intent to reside.

The Home Office consulted on measures to criminalise the act of trespassing when setting up an unauthorised encampment in England and Wales, and ministers also consulted on other measures to strengthen police powers in order to tackle unauthorised encampments. The views expressed throughout the consultation have been considered and have informed the Government’s next steps, including the conditions for the new offence which will be put to parliament for scrutiny.

A person must meet the conditions of the new offence for enforcement action to be taken against them, and the conditions for the new offence seek to ensure that anyone accessing the countryside, including ramblers and hikers passing through privately owned land, will not be caught by the new proposals. My ministerial colleagues are clear that the intention behind the new offence is to deter trespassers from setting up or residing on an unauthorised encampment and to support action to tackle unauthorised encampments where necessary.

April 2021

Inland Water Bill: Rivers 

Selaine’s response: 

I am delighted that having supported the Rt Hon Phillip Dunne’s Private Member’s Bill, the Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill, that the Government has announced that it will be supporting the measures included within this Bill.  

The second reading has now become unnecessary as many of the measures have been agreed within the Storm Overflows Task Force, set up by the Minister last year in response to this Private Members Bill. The Storm Overflows Taskforce, which is made up of Defra, the Environment Agency, Ofwat, Consumer Council for Water, Blueprint for Water and Water UK, has agreed to set a long-term goal to eliminate harm from storm overflows.  

Following recommendations from the Taskforce, water companies will also increase transparency around when and how storm overflows are used. The Taskforce update comes as the Government confirms it is also working with Philip Dunne MP in order to make progress on our shared ambitions to tackle sewage pollution in our rivers. I have spoken with members of Surfers Against Sewage, The Environment Agency and South West Water about a number of concerns with spillages onto beaches, our beautiful coast and into our rivers. I welcome this Bill as it will help shine a light on industry operations and help us in our fight against water pollution. 

April 2021 

Gene Editing

Selaine’s response: 

Gene editing has the ability to harness the genetic resources that mother nature has provided, in order to tackle the challenges of our age. This includes breeding crops that perform better, reducing costs to farmers and impacts on the environment, and helping us all adapt to the challenges of climate change. 

The potential of gene editing was blocked by a European Court of Justice ruling in 2018, and now that we have left the EU, this country is free to make coherent policy decisions based on science and evidence. Technologies developed in the last decade enable genes to be edited much more quickly and precisely to mimic the natural breeding process, helping to target plant and animal breeding to assist the UK in reaching our vital climate and biodiversity goals, in a safe and sustainable way. 

It is important to note that gene editing is different to genetic modification where DNA from one species is introduced to a different one. Gene edited organisms do not contain DNA from different species, and instead only produce changes that could be made slowly using traditional breeding methods.  

The Government has now consulted on the issue of gene editing, seeking views on proposals to end certain gene editing organisms from being regulated in the same way as genetic modification, providing they could have been produced naturally or through traditional breeding. This approach has already been adopted by a wide range of countries across the world, including Japan, Australia and Argentina, and the UK Government will now consider the evidence and will set out a response in due course. 

I am assured that Ministers will continue to work with farming and environmental groups to develop the right rules and ensure robust controls are in place to maintain the highest food safety standards while supporting the production of healthier food. 

March 2021 

Oceans

Selaine’s response: 

2021 is a vital year for the ocean. Through our COP26 and G7 Presidencies, the UK will showcase global leadership in tackling key pressures facing the ocean, using its influence to advocate for greater action and global collaboration. Ministers also intend to publish an update to the UK Marine Strategy Part 3, outlining the programmes of measures that will continue to move the UK towards Good Environmental Status in its seas. 

I have signed up with Sky Ocean Rescue and the WWF to become an MP Ocean Hero, to pledge my commitment to the UK seas through a new Ocean Recovery Strategy on World Ocean’s Day. 

As you may know, at the recent One Planet Summit, the UK accepted the position of Ocean Co-Chair of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People. Between this, and the UK-led Global Ocean Alliance, there are now over 60 countries supporting a target to protect at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030 as part of the aim for an ambitious post-2020 global biodiversity framework for adoption at the 15th Conference of Parties of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. 

The protection, restoration and management of the marine environment is central to objectives in the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. Further, it is encouraging that 38% of UK waters are in Marine Protected Areas and Ministers are focused on ensuring these are effectively protected. Ministers have also stated their intention to pilot Highly Protected Marine Areas in Secretary of State waters, and I look forward to reading the Government's response to Richard Benyon's review on this issue in due course. 

Together with Vanuatu, the Government is driving forward ambitious action to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean through the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, a growing group of 34 Commonwealth member states. The Government has also committed up to £70m to tackle plastic pollution, helping developing countries to prevent plastic waste entering the ocean, and has committed to start negotiations on a new global agreement on marine plastic litter and microplastics. 

Finally, Ministers have committed to establishing a new £500m Blue Planet Fund, to help developing countries protect the ocean from key human-generated threats, including pollution. 

March 2021

Badgers

Selaine’s response:  

The badger cull has been a controversial component of the bovine TB (bTB) eradication strategy, but I understand that the initial areas that have been subject to a cull have seen a significant reduction in incidence of the disease.  

On 27 January 2021, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) launched a public consultation alongside a call for views on a range of proposals and longer-term options on cattle and badger control measures. These are in keeping with the Government’s response in March 2020 to Professor Sir Charles Godfray’s 2018 independent review of the bTB strategy. 

Routine and targeted TB testing of cattle herds, movement restrictions on infected herds, and rapid detection and removal of cattle which test positive remains the cornerstone of the Government’s strategy, supported by statutory pre- and post-movement testing of cattle and slaughterhouse surveillance. Defra are in the process of increasing the frequency of mandatory surveillance testing across England’s High-Risk Areas (HRA) from annual to every 6 months, with some exceptions for lower risk herds. Defra also remain committed to supporting and strengthening biosecurity to limit the risk and severity of TB breakdowns on cattle farms. 

Defra have a substantial and wide-ranging research and development programme, with a particular focus on diagnostics and vaccine development. Their primary TB research goal is to develop a deployable cattle TB vaccine. This work is on track to be completed by 2025, and the goal is to deliver on the significant investment that has been made to date in developing a candidate diagnostic test to detect infected animals among vaccinated animals to enable use of the vaccine. Although a cattle TB vaccine will not be the single solution to the problem of TB, it will be a strong additional tool at Defra’s and farmer’s disposal. Veterinary field trials aimed at generating the necessary evidence to enable UK marketing authorisations are scheduled to get underway in the coming months. 

Ministers only ever envisaged that the badger cull would be a phase in the strategy to reduce the weight of the disease in the wildlife population. I am pleased that the ongoing consultation sets out the intent to phase out culling and accelerate the next phases of the strategy, especially improved diagnostic testing. This consultation also includes proposals to stop issuing intensive cull licences for new areas after 2022 and would enable new licences to be cut short after two or three years based on a review of the latest scientific evidence at that time.  

Under the new proposals, any new supplementary cull licences, which are granted in regions after intensive culls are complete, would be restricted to two years and would not be reissued afterwards. I understand that some form of culling would continue to be an option in exceptional circumstances to address any local disease flare-ups. In parallel to the consultation, Ministers are also calling for views on possible future measures to accelerate bovine TB eradication in England, such as further improvements to testing, encouraging increased uptake of farm biosecurity measures, and rewarding low risk cattle purchasing behaviour.  

It is also encouraging that work on developing a deployable cattle bovine TB vaccine continues at pace and is on track to be completed within the next five years, with field trials scheduled to commence in the coming months. 

There is no single answer to tackling bovine TB, but by deploying a range of policy interventions, we can turn the tide on this terrible disease and achieve the long-term objective of eradicating it in England by 2038.  

March 2021 

Animal-Free Research 

Selaine’s response:  

Animal research still plays a role in providing vital safety information for potential new medicines. Some aspects of the toxicological assessment of new medicines cannot be adequately assessed in humans, and animal data will be the only kind available. 

Without animal testing it is highly likely that many potentially dangerous new medicines would be tested in healthy volunteers and patients in clinical trials, and Ministers believe that this would be quite unacceptable. However, animals are only used when there are no suitable alternatives, and by encouraging new cutting-edge approaches to science we will ensure that standards of animal welfare are improved. I am absolutely opposed to animal tests where alternative approaches could be used. 

March 2021 

Bomb Disposal and Whales

Selaine’s response: 

I agree we should do all we can to protect the welfare of our marine life, especially the whale, and from my conversations with Ministerial colleagues I know they share my thoughts.  

I recognise the significant impact that underwater noise from ordnance clearance and other activities can have on vulnerable marine species, and I am therefore pleased that Ministers are working closely with the Marine Management Organisation, nature conservation bodies and marine industries to reduce underwater noise. It is, of course, important that they ensure any clearance method used is both safe and effective. 

I am aware that the underwater noise impact of using low order deflagration techniques for unexploded ordnance detonations is currently being researched. Two phases of a Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy funded project to characterise and contrast the acoustic fields generated by unexploded ordnance clearance using high order detonation, and using low-order deflagration, have now been completed. I understand that a third phase has now been initiated to allow further assessment of the clearance options. A potential fourth phase of the work involving offshore field work is also being actively explored in which comparative noise measurements would be made during actual unexploded ordnance clearance campaigns using both deflagration and high order detonations.  

The outcomes from the third and fourth phases will allow an informed discussion to take place, however it will be for the regulatory authorities and the statutory nature conservation bodies to consider the best available scientific evidence when providing advice on these matters. I should be noted that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs does not expect to issue formal guidance on the use of low-order deflagration techniques until this research has been completed. 

March 2021 

Climate and Ecology Bill

Selaine's response:

Tackling climate change is a priority for me and my Ministerial colleagues, and I am proud that the UK was the first G7 country to legislate to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. I understand that this Bill has been developed by campaign members of Extinction Rebellion, Big Ask and Power for the People. 

The Bill seeks to examine the UK’s global carbon footprint, such as indirect UK emissions in our supply chain which may affect developing countries. I am encouraged that the UK remains committed to environmentally sustainable development as set out in the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals. In January 2021, the Prime Minister announced that the UK will spend at least £3 billion of international climate finance on nature and biodiversity over five years. The funding will deliver transformational change in protecting biodiversity-rich land and ocean, shifting to sustainable food production and supply, and supporting the livelihoods of the world's poorest.

I do not believe citizen's assemblies have advantages over conventional policy making in this context. Previous experiences in Canada, for example, included citizens in the decision making process, however they failed to produce impactful or long-lasting results. I know that a Climate Assembly UK was formed as a result of work conducted by Parliamentary Select Committees. Ministers have assured me the Government will be looking closely at the findings, however I welcome that many of their recommendations, which were published in their report, are already either in place or in the pipeline as a result of the Government working towards net zero. Achieving net zero will affect everyone and it is important that we work together to achieve it.

While I welcome the increased awareness and debate this Bill brings, I do not believe that it is required as work is already underway.

March 2021

Fox Hunting

Selaine's response:

I appreciate the strong feelings many people have on this issue and I share concerns for the welfare of our wildlife. Fox hunting is banned under the Hunting Act 2004, and for an offence to be committed the behaviour in question must violate the Act’s provisions.

Since the introduction of the Hunting Act 2004 many hunts have turned to trail hunting as an alternative to live quarry hunting. This involves a pack of hounds following an artificially laid, animal-based scent. For an offence to be committed it is necessary to prove that a wild animal is being hunted intentionally. If any wild animal was hunted intentionally, this could lead to a prosecution and an unlimited fine. Between 2013 and 2019, a total of 471 individuals were prosecuted under the Hunting Act and 227 individuals were found guilty. Anyone who believes that an offence has taken place during a hunt, including during a trail hunt, should report the matter to the police.

While it is not in my position to comment on a specific case, I am aware that all trail hunting has been suspended on Forestry England land while the police investigate content of these webinars. It is up to each Local Authority to decide whether trail hunting can take place on public land within its jurisdiction. Likewise, it is up to an individual public body to decide what activity takes place on its land. I know, for example, Nottinghamshire County Council banned trail hunting on its land in 2019 and Forestry England can suspend events or stop them completely if illegal activity takes place.  

March 2021

Greener Educational Buildings

Selaine's response:

I see the UK’s future as being a world leader in the green economy. I believe we have made a great start on this with the pledge to reach net-zero by 2050, and I welcomed news earlier this year that Britain had been running coal free for a period of months. 

That said, there is certainly more we can do. It is encouraging to hear the Prime Minister commit to making the UK the world leader in low cost clean power generation, and I welcome that a range of green recovery schemes have been announced. This includes over £3 billion of investment to transform energy efficiency in homes and public buildings; over £1 billion of support for ultra-low emission vehicles; £800 million to capture carbon from power stations and industry; £640 million in a Nature Climate Fund; and £100 million for research and development into Direct Air Capture technologies. 

I am encouraged that the Department for Education was already encouraging schools to reduce their impact on the environment prior to the Covid-19 outbreak. Various schemes are available to help schools, including a capital investment programme that will be worth £22 billion between 2017 and 2021. Schools are also able to access the Salix loan scheme, which provides funding to the public sector with loans for projects to improve energy, reduce bills and reduce carbon emissions. 

February 2021

Polystyrene Body Boards

Selaine's response:

It is brilliant news that Westward Ho! have banned retailers selling polystyrene body boards, and I fully support them in doing so. Polystyrene body boards have an impact on the natural environment and I will happily support any other seaside location that chooses to follow Westward Ho!. I have been engaging with Plastic Free North Devon for some time now and support their fantastic work. To get something banned in law is very difficult, which is why I believe that local approaches are the way forward in reducing the number of polystyrene body boards here in the UK. 

Additionally, Ministers are taking steps through the Environment Bill to keep products in circulation for longer, requiring products to be designed to be durable, repairable, and recyclable, as well as legislating for the use of extended producer responsibility schemes in a way that incentivises more resource efficient design. 

February 2021

The Pig Husbandry (Farrowing) Bill:

Selaine's response:

We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and a strong track record for raising the bar when it comes to welfare measures, such as banning battery cages for laying hens, sow stalls and veal crates, and introducing CCTV in all slaughterhouses in England. I know that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) intends to build on this and are currently examining the evidence around the use of cages for farm animals, including farrowing crates.  

The UK Government has made clear that farrowing crates should no longer be used for sows, and I welcome that the pig welfare code clearly states that “the aim is for farrowing crates to no longer be necessary and for any new system to protect the welfare of the sow, as well as her piglets”. DEFRA’s pig welfare code of practice came into force on 1 March 2020 and it states the aim is for farrowing crates to no longer be necessary and for any new system to protect the welfare of the sow, as well as her piglets. It is worth pointing out that the UK has led the way in improving the welfare of pigs. 

February 2021

Deregulation of Gene Editing

Selaine's response:

Gene editing has the ability to harness the genetic resources that mother nature has provided, in order to tackle the challenges of our age. This includes breeding crops that perform better, reducing costs to farmers and impacts on the environment, and helping us all adapt to the challenges of climate change. 

The potential of gene editing was blocked by a European Court of Justice ruling in 2018. Now that we have left the EU, the UK is free to make coherent policy decisions based on science and evidence. I know that technologies developed in the last decade enable genes to be edited much more quickly and precisely to mimic the natural breeding process, helping to target plant and animal breeding to help the UK reach its vital climate and biodiversity goals in a safe and sustainable way. 

It is important to note that gene editing is different to genetic modification where DNA from one species is introduced to a different one. Gene edited organisms do not contain DNA from different species, and instead only produce changes that could be made slowly using traditional breeding methods. Currently, gene editing is regulated in the same way as genetic modification. 

The Government is now consulting on the issue of gene editing, focusing on ending certain gene editing organisms from being regulated in the same way as genetic modification, so long as they could have been produced naturally or through traditional breeding. I understand that this approach has already been adopted by a wide range of countries across the world, including Japan, Australia and Argentina. 

I know that Ministers will continue to work with farming and environmental groups to develop the right rules and ensure robust controls are in place to maintain the highest food safety standards while supporting the production of healthy food. 

February 2021

Clear Waters

Selaine's response:

I am enthusiastic about promoting sport and recreation in our North Devon countryside, and understand the positive benefits outdoor activities can have both physically and mentally, especially during the pandemic. However, I am also mindful of the rights of communities and people who live or work on land adjoining water, and of the need to maintain our rivers' environmental integrity. We must seek to maintain this delicate balance to keep the enjoyment of our rivers and inland waterways by all users and interests. I believe this is best achieved through consensus and by local agreement.

I therefore support continuing to use locally agreed, voluntary agreements to increase river access for walkers, swimmers and non-powered craft. The rights of other users, as well as protection for wildlife and the environment, are important considerations. These sensitive issues can best be dealt with at a local level rather than through a one size fits all approach decided in Westminster.

I also fully support my ministerial colleagues' aim to make this the first generation which leaves the environment in a better state than we found it and I am pleased that over 50% of canals have now been restored, enabling an increasing number of people to enjoy the outdoors and get close to water.

February 2021

Wellbeing Week

Selaine's response:

I believe it is absolutely right that there should be sustainable thinking in Government, and I would like to assure you that the wellbeing of future generations is at the heart of UK Government policy. We are the first major industrialised country to have set a legal target for zero carbon emissions and I welcome the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan which will allow the UK to forge ahead in eradicating the UK’s contribution to climate change.

Caroline Lucas and Lord Bird have brought forward Private Member’s Bills with the objective of putting sustainable thinking at the heart of public policy decisions. This legislation imposes obligations to act in accordance with a sustainable development principle.

I do not believe, however, that the Bills as they stand provide the right mechanisms for achieving these important objectives and have reservations about creating a new public body with additional duties. The Government has, however, listened carefully to the arguments made in support of these Bills and it remains committed to promoting the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of the country, never more important than in the context of this current pandemic. 

February 2021

Inland Waters Bill

Selaine's response:

I am delighted that having supported the Rt Hon Phillip Dunne’s Private Member’s Bill, the Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill, that the Government has announced that it will be supporting the measures included within this Bill. The second reading has now become unnecessary as many of the measures have been agreed within the Storm Overflows Task Force, set up by the Minister last year in response to this Private Member’s Bill.

The Storm Overflows Taskforce, which is made up of Defra, the Environment Agency, Ofwat, Consumer Council for Water, Blueprint for Water and Water UK, has agreed to set a long-term goal to eliminate harm from storm overflows. Following recommendations from the Taskforce, water companies will also increase transparency around when and how storm overflows are used. The Taskforce update comes as the Government confirms it is also working with Philip Dunne MP in order to make progress on our shared ambitions to tackle sewage pollution in our rivers.

I have spoken with members of Surfers Against Sewage, The Environment Agency and South West Water about concerns with spillages onto beaches along our beautiful coast and into our rivers. I supported the original Bill, and welcome this outcome, as it will help shine a light on industry operations and help us in our fight against water pollution.

February 2021

Animal Cruelty Sentencing and Animal Sentience

Selaine's response:

It is clear that animals are sentient beings who can feel pain and suffering, and I would like to reassure you that strong action is being taken to reduce their risk of harm.

The Government is committed to making any necessary changes to UK law in a rigorous and comprehensive way to ensure animal sentience is legally recognised after the transition period and legislation will be brought forward when parliamentary time allows. This also includes ensuring the UK has an effective means of making sure animal sentience is reflected in future policy decisions. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is currently assessing how best to support Government departments in considering the welfare needs of sentient animals when they are developing and implementing Government policy, as well as continuing to engage closely with relevant organisations and authorities to enhance its policies on this issue further.

There is no place in this country for animal cruelty, and we must ensure that those who abuse animals are met with the full force of the law. I am therefore pleased that the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill has now passed through the Public Bill Committee, backed by the Government, and I look forward to it coming back to the House for the Report Stage and Third Reading. I will continue to do all I can to support the Bill’s swift passage through both the Commons and the Lords.

I am pleased that the new Bill will enable tougher prison sentences for the most serious perpetrators of animal cruelty, from the current maximum of 6 months to up to 5 years. I believe that this increase in sentencing will send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated. The maximum 5 year sentence will become one of the toughest punishments in Europe, strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader on animal welfare.

I am aware that a public consultation found 70% of people supported the proposals for tougher prison sentences. I am encouraged that the planned change in law means the courts will be able to take a tougher approach to cases such as dog fighting, abuse of puppies and kittens, or gross neglect of farm animals.

I am proud that this Government is taking further steps to elevate our reputation for animal welfare in this country. Ministers are taking advantage of our departure from the EU to deliver manifesto commitments to end excessively long journeys for slaughter and fattening of livestock. Alongside this, they are continuing to work on developing new laws on animal sentience and cracking down on the illegal smuggling of dogs and puppies, and remain committed to banning pet primates, introducing mandatory cat microchipping and implementing the Ivory Act.

January 2021

Emergency use of Neonicotinoids

Selaine's response:

I and the Government continue to support the restrictions on neonicotinoids to protect pollinators, and emergency authorisations for pesticides are only granted in exceptional circumstances where diseases or pests cannot be controlled by any other reasonable means. These emergency authorisations can provide short term availability of a product if the applicant can demonstrate that this addresses a danger which cannot be contained by any other reasonable means, that the use will be limited and controlled and that the necessary protection of people and of the environment can be achieved.

Emergency authorisations are also used by countries across Europe. I know that 10 EU countries including Belgium, Denmark and Spain have granted emergency authorisations for neonicotinoid seed treatments since 2018. Under EU legislation, Member States may grant emergency authorisations in exceptional circumstances. I can assure you that the UK’s approach to the use of emergency authorisations has not changed as a result of the UK’s exit from the EU.

The application for the use of Syngenta’s Cruiser SB on the 2021 sugar beet crop is for England only and the duration of authorisation is strictly limited to the period required to allow supply of the product. Furthermore, sugar beet is a non-flowering crop that is only grown in the East of England.

 

This exceptional use of Syngenta’s Cruiser SB will be strictly controlled and conditions of the authorisation include reduced application rate as well as a prohibition on any flowering crop being planted in the same field where the product has been used within 22 months of sugar beet and a prohibition on oilseed rape being planted within 32 months of sugar beet.

Protecting pollinators remains a priority for the Government. The National Pollinator Strategy, published in 2014, is a ten year plan which sets out how the Government, conservation groups, farmers, beekeepers and researchers can work together to improve the status of the approximately 1,500 pollinating insect species in England.

January 2021

Pet Passports

Selaine's response:

Under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, owners can obtain a pet passport that allows them to travel with their animals to and from certain other countries, provided they meet the requirements for the scheme which include appropriate vaccination and microchipping.

I know that the non-commercial movement of cats, dogs and ferrets is covered by the EU Pet Travel Scheme which has three categorisations of third country. These are:

•    Part 1 listed;

•    Part 2 listed; and

•    Unlisted.

Third countries are able apply to the European Commission to be listed under the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

I understand that the UK submitted its application to become a Part 1 listed third country in January 2019 and resubmitted the application in February 2020. Should the UK become a Part 1 listed country, there would be little change to the current arrangements, with only minor changes needed for documentation and, in most cases, no change for owners from what they currently need to do in terms of their animal’s health preparation. It is now for the Commission to consider the UK’s application for listed status.

November 2020

Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) and Angling

Selaine's response:

I have received a number of emails from constituents who are concerned about HPMAs and the effect they may have on recreational angling. I have raised this with the relevant Minister and I enclose their response below:

Agriculture Bill

Selaine's response:

A number of constituents have contacted me regarding the Agriculture Bill. I voted against the amendments and I wanted to set out why in detail. Please forgiven the length of this response but I thought it best to be thorough.

First, on standards, the Government will not compromise on our existing standards. Any new trade deals must mean high levels of environmental protection, animal welfare, and high food standards. The EU Withdrawal Act will transfer existing food safety provisions into UK law, including existing import requirements. Our restrictions on imports will preclude things like chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef from coming to our shores.

The UK’s food standards, for both domestic production and imports, are overseen the by the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland. These are independent agencies and provide advice to the UK and Scottish governments. They will continue to do so in order to ensure that all food imports comply with the UK’s high safety standards. Decisions on these standards are a matter for the UK and will be made separately from any trade agreement. 

When it comes to negotiating new trade deals, agreed texts will be laid before Parliament alongside an explanatory memorandum and final impact assessment. MPs retain the power to withhold consent from trade agreements and if I believe a particular trade deal is not in our best interests, that is what I will do. 

There are a number of issues with the rejected amendments with regard to their specific content. Amendments 12 and 16 created conditions which do not exist under any existing UK or EU agreement. It is unlikely that other countries would agree to the requirements stipulated by these amendments, and in some cases it would not even be possible for them to do so. 

Making sure we do not allow trade deals to undermine our environmental and animal welfare standards is a cause I passionately support. The Lords amendments may have sounded perfectly reasonable but they would require all countries to have processes in place to show that they meet thousands of pages of UK environmental and animal welfare legislation. The cost would be prohibitive and also unnecessary. We import bananas from many countries including the Dominican Republic, Belize and Cameroon. We import coffee from Indonesia, Ghana and Vietnam and black tea from Kenya. We do all this under existing (EU) rules. If we had passed this amendment, a huge number of food imports from developing countries would have been banned.

I want us to be ambitious in the types of trade agreements we are seeking to strike but these conditions would make any trade agreements hard to negotiate and less beneficial for UK farmers or consumers. 

If these amendments had succeeded we could import coffee from Vietnam if we did not have a trade agreement, but if we did have a trade agreement, we would likely have to ban coffee imports. Does that sound right? Our trade deals would become anti-trade deals. This would have produced an indefensible barrier to making new and better trade deals. 

There are many other oddities that the amendments would have thrown up. Our geography and climate mean that we need strict legal controls on nitrate concentration in soils, yet these are inappropriate for many other countries. We have laws on what time of year farmers are allowed to cut hedges, yet it would be completely inappropriate to enforce these rules on countries that do not use hedges in the same way as we do.

The UK imported an average of £213mn of black tea per year between 2017 and 2019, of which £142mn was from Kenya. Similarly, coffee imports to the UK totalled, on average, £108m per year within the same time period, the majority of which was from Vietnam. All developing countries which produce coffee beans exported to the UK, such as Ghana and Indonesia, would be expected to provide evidence that they met UK carbon emission targets as set out in the Climate Change Act. Our Climate Act is not appropriate for many developing countries; yes, we want them to do more, and free trade deals can be a way of doing this, but to ask them to use our specific targets would be unreasonable and would make any future free trade deal impossible. 

That is why the Government has agreed with campaigners to set up an Independent Trade and Agriculture Commission. This means we can look at each individual trade deal rather than using these amendments which would impose blanket regulations on every country, regardless of whether they were suitable. The Commission will advise on how best the UK can seize new export opportunities, while ensuring animal welfare and environmental standards in food production are not undermined. 

Not supporting these amendments does not mean that I or any other MPs do not want high animal welfare, food or environmental standards or that I am not supporting farmers. There must be room for reasonable disagreement in politics and it is flatly untrue to suggest that anyone not supporting these amendments has an ulterior motive. Of course I want to support farmers in North Devon, especially given how central they are to our way of life and economy. There are, however, disagreements about the best way to do this.

We all want the best for our producers, processors and consumers.  These amendments were not the right way forward for anyone.

My colleague Anthony Browne, MP for South Cambridgeshire, and Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Environment has also written a detailed article on the issue. 

https://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2020/10/anthony-browne-are-we…;

October 2020

Compulsory Microchipping of Cats

Selaine's response:

The Government is committed to improving the welfare of cats and has a manifesto commitment to introduce compulsory microchipping of cats. Last year, Defra published a call for evidence on compulsory microchipping for cats, which attracted over 3,000 responses. I am aware that the responses are now being assessed, with a view to publishing the summary of these in due course. In the meantime, I would encourage all cat owners to make the sensible choice to microchip their felines, ensuring relevant records are kept up to date.

I will be attending the virtual drop-in with Cats Protection on 20th October, and I look forward to finding out more about the argument for compulsory microchipping.

September 2020

Plastic Pollution Crisis

Selaine's response:

As a consequence of the pandemic, we have seen a resurgence in the use of single-use plastics. This is a deeply disappointing development and whilst the use of single-use plastics has been unavoidable in some cases, we must redouble our efforts to see production and sale drastically reduced. 

I have been in contact with Surfers Against Sewage about this issue, and I have tabled a Written Parliamentary Question to the Environment Secretary about this.

Regarding the Environment Bill, it is due to be considered in front of a Public Bill Committee which will report on 29th September. When the Bill comes back before the House of Commons, I will carefully consider any amendments and I will seek assurances from the Secretary of State about his commitment to tackling plastic pollution.

September 2020

Religious Meat Preparation

Selaine's response:

I want to encourage the highest standards of welfare at slaughter and would prefer all animals to be stunned. However, it is also important to respect the rights of Jews and Muslims to eat meat prepared in accordance with their religious beliefs.

Religious meat preparation is only permitted to be carried out by licensed individuals in approved abattoirs. Religious meat preparation is not permitted in any other place, even for personal consumption. There is no national or EU requirement to display the method of preparation on meat products but where this is included it must be accurate. Consumers should have the necessary information available to them to make an informed choice about their food, and looking forward, the Government has an opportunity to review food labelling to make sure that consumers can have confidence in the food that they buy. 

I will follow this issue as the Government reviews its rules on labelling but I hope that the strict measures imposed on religious meat production provide some reassurance.

September 2020

Animal Testing after Brexit

Selaine's response:

Ministers have stated their determination that there should be no need for any additional animal testing for a chemical that has already been registered to EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). After the transition period, the UK will be able to establish its own independent chemical regime. Although both the UK and EU will operate REACH frameworks, the two systems will not be linked. This means that companies wishing to retain access to the UK market will be required to notify and submit registration data to the Health and Safety Executive to confirm the registrations and ensure compliance with UK REACH.

As I understand it, the data that supports each substance's registration in REACH is not owned by individual companies or the European Chemicals Agency, but by a commercial consortium of companies. Although there will be some UK companies that already own that data, others will need to negotiate access to fulfil the UK requirements. The Government has set out that to enable businesses to meet the separate requirements of the two markets, the UK and EU could, as part of a Chemicals Annex, agree data and information sharing mechanisms. I am aware that the UK is continuing to negotiate a deal on data sharing with the EU.

September 2020

Badger Cull and Bovine TB

Selaine's response:

The badger cull has led to a significant reduction in the disease, but no one wants to continue the cull of this protected species indefinitely. That is why the Government asked Sir Charles Godfray to conduct a review, which concluded in October 2018. Earlier this year, in response to that review, the Government set out its intended next steps, focused around three key priorities. 

The current vaccine will never provide full protection, so I am pleased that funding will be made available to accelerate the research and trial work needed with the aim of having a deployable vaccine in the next five years. Alongside this, an exit strategy from the intensive culling of badgers will begin. As soon as possible, a pilot Government-funded badger vaccination will be introduced in at least one area where the four-year cull cycle has concluded, with simultaneous surveillance of disease. The aim is to only allow future culls where the evidence points to a significant reservoir of Bovine TB in badgers. 

Finally, the Government will invest in the deployment of better, more frequent and more diverse cattle testing so that we are able to detect the presence of the disease earlier and remove it from cattle herds faster. I am pleased that world-leading Bovine TB cattle vaccination trials are also set to get underway in England and Wales as a result of a major breakthrough by Government scientists. These trials enable work to accelerate towards planned deployment of a cattle vaccine by 2025, in the latest milestone to eradicate this highly damaging animal disease.

Ministers hope that any remaining areas who join the current cull programme in the next few years will then wind down by the mid to late 2020s. There is no single answer to tackling the scourge of Bovine TB but by deploying a range of policy interventions, we can turn the tide on this terrible disease.

September 2020

Air pollution and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5)

Selaine's response:

I strongly believe that we need to take urgent action to reduce the amount of air pollution in North Devon but also across the whole United Kingdom. Through the Environment Bill, an ambitious, legally binding target will be set to reduce fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), and local powers will be increased to address the sources of air pollution. Our air pollution targets will be the most ambitious in the world. 

The Government is committed to taking action on PM 2.5, as it is the pollutant that has the most significant impact on health. Ministers are developing a clear evidence-based process for setting the PM 2.5 target introduced in the Environment Bill. This process will involve thorough analysis and independent expert advice, considering economic, social and technological factors. It will also involve detailed analysis to assess what additional action would be needed to achieve potential targets.

August 2020

Hen Harriers

Selaine's response:

I recognise the conservation and economic benefits that shooting sports bring to rural communities. A study in 2010 by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust showed that predator control resulted in significant increases in the breeding success of ground nesting birds such as curlew, golden plover and lapwing. I believe that individuals should be free to manage wildlife within the law, and that the Government should only intervene when there is good reason to do so.  
 
All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and there are strong penalties in place for offences committed against birds of prey and other wildlife, with most wildlife crimes carrying up to an unlimited fine and/or a six-month custodial sentence. To address concerns about illegal killing of birds of prey, senior Government and enforcement officers have identified raptor persecution as a national wildlife crime priority. The National Wildlife Crime Unit monitors and gathers intelligence on wildlife crime, including raptor persecution, and aids police forces in their investigations when required.  

The Government is very concerned about hen harrier populations, which is why we took the lead on the Hen Harrier Action Plan. This sets out what will be done to increase hen harrier populations in England and includes measures to stop illegal persecution. A copy of the plan is available on gov.uk. C

The Joint Action Plan was published in January 2016 and I believe that it remains the best way to restore hen harrier populations.

It contains six actions which individually can bring benefits for harriers, but when combined, underpin each other and have the potential to deliver strong outcomes. It includes three measures to stamp out illegality, a trial toolkit comprising two measures for land owners to safely accommodate hen harriers on grouse moors and a measure to reintroduce them to suitable habitat in other parts of England. These six complementary actions have the potential to deliver strong outcomes and set out the expected benefits from each action, who is going to lead actions and the timescales for them to be achieved.
 
Ministers have always been clear of the need to phase out rotational burning of protected blanket bog to conserve these vulnerable habitats. Real progress is being made in promoting sustainable alternatives and I am pleased to hear that legislation is being looked at which could help achieve this. Ministers have also been encouraging landowners to adopt sustainable options and continue to work with them constructively. The England Peat Strategy will be published later this year which will detail further how we can protect, restore, and reduce damage to our peatlands. 

August 2020

Supertrawlers

Selaine's response:

The Common Fisheries Policy has restricted our ability to implement fisheries management measures within offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The Fisheries Bill proposes a new power to allow the introduction of measures for conservation purposes.

The Fisheries Bill currently going through Parliament will help to protect our marine resources and develop plans to restore our fish stock back to more sustainable levels. This builds on a manifesto commitment which promised to introduce a legal commitment to fish sustainably as we become an independent coastal state once again. 

As set out in the Withdrawal Agreement, during the transition period, we have agreed that we will continue to apply current fisheries rules and shared access to waters will continue until the end of 2020. While we are still part of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), EU registered vessels are legally entitled to fish in our waters.

We will automatically take back control of our waters, and others’ right to fish in them, at the end of 2020. For the first time in 40 years, we will be free to decide who can access our waters to fish and on what terms.

The Fisheries Bill prohibits any commercial fishing vessel (including foreign-registered vessels) from operating in UK waters without a licence. It also provides powers to attach conditions (such as the areas that can be fished, species that can be caught and the type of fishing gear that can be used) to fishing vessel licences. Foreign vessels operating in UK waters will have to follow UK rules, including the conditions that are attached to their commercial fishing licence.

I have made clear to Ministers the strength of feeling in North Devon that supertrawlers should not be able to operate in protected waters. Leaving the European Union gives us the opportunity to do this, and I will continue to engage with Ministers on this.#

July 2020

Heat Pumps

Selaine's response:

Heat pumps are essential if we are to achieve net-zero carbon. 

The argument for the 45kW cap is that this will target support where upfront costs are a particular barrier in transitioning to low-carbon heat. Typically, these installations are in households or small and medium-size enterprises. I do, however, recognise your concern that many bigger schemes need support too, and the consultation expressly seeks views on this very point. Both the consultation on future support for low carbon heat and on closure of and proposed reforms to the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive have closed and the Government is analysing the responses. However, as I have heard from several constituents on this, I have ensured that the Minister's office is aware of concerns about the suggested cap.

It has been pointed out to me that in the recent Budget, the Chancellor announced a £270 million Green Heat Network Fund which will fund large-heat pumps, solar thermal installations and waste-heat recovery in heat networks between 2022 and 2025. I understand that the Government will be consulting later this year on scheme design which will offer the sector to make the case for supporting larger heat pump projects. I am confident that with the right support they will play a massive role in Britain in decarbonising heat.

While we need target incentives correctly, I agree this is best achieved by consulting with industry and I would encourage you to respond to both consultations.

July 2020

General Licences

Selaine's response:

I completely understand how important the issue of general licences is, especially for a constituency like North Devon. The Government are currently analysing the evidence of their review into longer-term licensing arrangements. It is important that this is concluded as quickly as possible, but that the Department come to the right conclusion.

I am pleased that six general licences for the control of wild birds have now been reissued on a temporary basis ahead of new licences coming into force on 1 January 2021. No action is required by licence users, beyond the ongoing requirement to act in accordance with the licence conditions. DEFRA intends to publish new licences in November to allow user groups to become acquainted with the changes before they officially come into force.

As a result of the above, wild bird control on and near European sites and lethal control of gulls have been via individual licence this year. I appreciate the frustrations regarding individual licensing, and Ministers are working closely with Natural England to ensure that these issues are sorted as quickly as possible. I accept that many constituents have concerns about Natural England’s management of this, and I will make sure that Ministers have this reiterated to them.

July 2020

Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Alerts

Selaine's response

Ensuring we have clean bathing waters in North Devon is vitally important for our environment, public health and our local economy. I take the issue very seriously and have been concerned that a number of constituents have contacted me regarding the reported Combined Sewer Overflow incidents in several of our coastal villages. 

I have spoken with South West Water (SWW) to better understand the cause of these CSO alerts. Several MPs offices have been in touch with SWW with similar alerts in other parts of Devon and Cornwall. In their response they said: 

“CSOs are the legacy of older combined sewer systems where sewage and surface water are removed in the same pipe. They act as a legal safety valve, helping homes from being flooded during intense or prolonged rainfall by temporarily discharging into watercourses and eventually the sea.  The CSO will trigger due to high volumes of surface water and roof drainage being discharged into the sewers during wet weather from the older parts of the sewerage network.  Consequently, the discharge is very diluted and the impact is limited and temporary. The Environment Agency issues permits for CSOs and regulate what we do to ensure we comply with strict environmental laws.

“Whilst recognising that there are now serious calls to remove CSOs entirely from the sewerage system they do act as vital safety valves to protect homes and property from sewer flooding. To remove them would require the full separation of all surface water from the sewerage system and would incur significant disruption to towns and villages costing many billions across the UK significantly increasing customer bills.

“The Clean Sweep programme transformed bathing waters in the South West by adding 40 sewage treatment works and the equivalent of 86 Olympic-sized swimming pools of extra storm water storage, at a cost of £2billion.  Before Clean Sweep almost 40% of the region’s homes routinely spilled untreated raw sewage into the sea.

South West Water has a near real-time bathing water information service, BeachLive (www.beachlive.co.uk).  This provides free alerts, through a web site and mobile app, when CSOs may affect bathing water quality, so informed decisions can be taken by both the public and beach managers.”

I am reassured that the consequences of these CSO incidents are only temporary and that they are working to address any underlying issues, especially those in Combe Martin, where I am working closely with SWW, the Environment Agency, the Parish Council and Combe Martin Water Watch Group to tackle concerns around bathing water quality. 

For a full factsheet on CSOs and the work SWW are carrying out please click here.

July 2020

Agriculture Bill

Selaine's response:

“A large number of constituents have contacted my about the Agriculture Bill, the creation of a Food Standards Commission, and food standards in future trade deals. I would like to address each of these issues below but first, I want to make it absolutely clear that I will never support the lowering of our animal welfare or food production standards. Rejecting the amendments to the Agriculture Bill is entirely consistent with that commitment. However, I remain in constant contact with Ministers about this, and I have raised the concerns of constituents directly. I also raised this issue in the House of Commons on 9th June.

The Agriculture Bill makes a series of commitments on domestic food production, something I know a lot of farmers are concerned about. The Bill, after lobbying from myself and other colleagues with significant agricultural sectors, now includes a specific commitment to encouraging domestic food production. The Government will also be required to report on food security, and I know the Environment Secretary wants this Bill to lead to more of our food being produced here, and it is not true to characterise the Government’s position as wanting cheaper imports to replace our domestic production base.

We are now moving towards a system which does not reward farmers based on how much land they own, but on how they use that land. Farmers will be rewarded for providing ‘public goods’, which will encourage environmentally-friendly farming and increased domestic production of food. One of the lessons of the pandemic has surely been that we should produce more of what we consume here in the UK.

The Government have said that they will establish a Trade and Agriculture Commission, as many constituents and the National Farmers Union have asked for. Work is now ongoing to agree the terms of reference of the Commission, and I will engage fully with this process to ensure that is protects food standards.

The EU Withdrawal Act also rolls over all the existing EU food safety provisions and import requirements, meaning that we will prevent the import of inferior foods such as chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef. Any changes to these standards would require new legislation to come before the House of Commons and therefore MPs’ approval.

I have been contacted about amendments to the Agriculture Bill on food production standards. First, as above, our current import standards will prevent a lot of the products people are most concerned about from coming to the UK. Second, whilst I agreed with the intention of the proposed amendments, they would have had serious unforeseen effects that would weaken our ability to strike trade deals. If passed, the amendment would likely have prevented trade deals with some of our biggest trading partners, and the UK would have difficulty in rolling over existing trade deals such as with Japan. This would threaten our farmers’ exports, and potentially disrupt our existing food supply by preventing the import of products which up until now have been permitted. The prescriptive nature of the amendment would have made it practically impossible for the Government to comply before the end of the transition period, and we would face wider trade disruption as a result. 

Finally, I have been in regular contact with the Secretary of State for International Trade and the Secretary of State for the Environment about this. I am continuing to raise this issue to reiterate that I will not accept lower food or animal welfare standards. Please see their joint letter below which clearly sets out the Government’s position.”

July 2020

Food Standards and Future Trade Deals

Selaine's response:

In response to a large number of constituents concerned; I am supportive of the Government position thanks to these commitments made in writing by the Secretaries of State for Trade, and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. I will not support a lowering of food standards in our trade agreements.

June 2020

Animal Testing

Selaine's response:

Animal research still plays an important role in providing vital safety information for potential new medicines. It is worth remembering that, as a result of findings from animal studies, a large number of potential new drugs never get as far as being tested in humans. Some aspects of the toxicological assessment of new medicines cannot be adequately assessed in humans, and animal data will be the only kind available.

Without animal testing it is highly likely that a large number of potentially dangerous new medicines would be tested in healthy volunteers and patients in clinical trials, and I know Ministers believe that this would be quite unacceptable. However, animals are only used when there are no suitable alternatives, and by encouraging new cutting-edge approaches to science we will ensure that standards of animal welfare are improved.

I fully support all steps to establish new methods and to support the life sciences and research industry. However, existing scientific research methods ensure that, by the time medicines reach clinical trial, risks are significantly reduced.

May 2020

Caged Birds

Selaine's response:

I share your high regard for animal welfare, which I am pleased is protected by comprehensive and robust legislation. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 already makes it an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any animal, including gamebirds.

This legislation is backed up by the statutory Code of Practice for the Welfare of Gamebirds Reared for Sporting Purposes. The code recommends that when birds are housed or penned, the accommodation should be well constructed and managed and of sufficient size to ensure good health and welfare.

Specifically, the code recommends that barren raised cages for breeding pheasants and small barren cages for breeding partridges should not be used and that any system should be appropriately enriched.  Keepers are required by law to be familiar with this code, which encourages the adoption of high standards of husbandry. Failure to observe the provisions of this code may be used in support of a prosecution.

These rules are enforced by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, as well as by local authorities, who can both carry out routine welfare inspections and investigate complaints. Prosecutions can be brought where necessary.

I am pleased that the Government has taken action to ban cages or close confinement systems where there is clear scientific evidence that they are detrimental to animal health and welfare. For example, the use of battery cages for laying hens has been banned since 2012.

May 2020

Bats and the Environment Bill

Selaine's response:

The Government has committed to developing a Nature Recovery Network and, in the long term, to create or restore 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside the protected site series. A new framework for Local Nature Recovery Strategies will be legislated for in the Environment Bill, to help support the Nature Recovery Network - creating places that are richer in wildlife.

The Bill will also require the preparation and publication of Local Nature Recovery Strategies, mapping nature-rich habitats, so that investment can be targeted where it will make the most difference. The Government will provide data, guidance, and advice, but these local plans will embrace local knowledge to strengthen links between neighbouring communities and support the wider Network.

The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) will scrutinise Government policy to ensure the environment is at the heart of decision making. Crucially, it will have the power to run its own independent investigations and enforce environmental law, including taking government and other public bodies to court where necessary. I believe that it is vital we have the required protections and mechanisms in place to protect our wildlife.

March 2020

Animal Welfare & Food Standards and Future Trade Deals

Selaine's Response

I can assure you that food and animal welfare standards will not be reduced in the pursuit of trade deals. Our manifesto commits us to maintaining and defending our high standards of food safety, animal welfare and environmental protection as we embark on our trade negotiations from around the world. Any future trade deal must work for British farmers and consumers. Legislation has already been passed which will mean EU standards on food such as chlorinated chicken have come into UK law. EU regulations on hormone-treated beef are already part of UK law. These prevent the use of growth hormones in imports and domestic production.

The Government has published its mandate for the trade negotiations between the UK and the US, and it makes clear that we will not compromise on our food, environmental, or animal welfare standards. I will ensure that the interests of our farmers in North Devon are protected because we cannot afford to undermine what is an essential sector for North Devon.

March 2020

Nature & The Environment Bill

Selaine's response:

The Environment Bill will put the environment at the heart of all policy and hold governments to account if they fail to uphold their environmental duties. The Office for Environmental Protection, a new, world-leading independent regulator, will be established in statute to scrutinise environmental policy and law, investigate complaints and take enforcement action when necessary. This will ensure we succeed in leaving the environment in a better condition than we found it.

In the 25 Year Environment Plan, the Government committed to developing a Nature Recovery Network and, in the long term, to create or restore 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside the protected site series. The Bill will also require the preparation and publication of Local Nature Recovery Strategies, mapping nature-rich habitats, so that investment can be targeted where it will make the most difference.

February 2020

Race Horses

Selaine's response:

I believe that the irresponsible use of the whip is completely unacceptable. The British Horseracing Association (BHA), the governing and regulatory body for the sport, requires that whips used in horse racing must be used responsibly, for safety reasons and only to encourage the horse.

The BHA policy on the whip was drawn up in consultation with animal welfare groups, such as the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare. The latest rules include a threshold on the number of times the whip can be used before racing stewards can consider an inquiry. If the rules are broken, the jockey may be banned from racing for a certain number of days depending on the seriousness of the offence.

In addition to sanctions from the sport, using the whip indiscriminately on horses could lead to a prosecution under the 2006 Animal Welfare Act, which makes it a criminal offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal. I would encourage anyone with evidence that a racehorse has suffered unnecessarily from being whipped to report it to the local authority.

I therefore believe that the provisions of the 2006 Act, coupled with the BHA’s rules on the use of the whip, provide adequate protection for racehorses.

February 2020

Trophy Hunting

Selaine's response:

All animals should be treated with thought and care. Trophy hunting involves pursuing another animal in conditions which causes stress, fear and pain, with hunters killing as a form of entertainment, not for food, to control pests or to protect other species.

I cannot see a justification to defend hunters who kill an animal which has been bred in captivity for the specific purpose of being hunted for entertainment. I believe action is needed to stop this sort of exploitation. I am therefore pleased that the Government has launched a consultation on options to restrict the imports and exports of hunting trophies to the UK - including a potential ban.

This consultation, alongside a call for evidence, will allow ministers to understand the public’s views on all sides of the debate and gather expert evidence to inform any next steps. It will run until the 25th February 2020 and you can take part, should you wish, by visiting https://consult.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-management/trophy-hunting-consultation/.

February 2020

Nature and the Agriculture Bill

Selaine's response:

The decision to leave the European Union has created an historic opportunity to deliver a green Brexit, where environmental standards are not only maintained but enhanced.

The Agriculture Bill will enable a balance between food production and the environment which will safeguard our countryside and farming communities for the future. The Bill sets out how farmers and land managers in England will be paid public money for “public goods,” rewarding them for the work they do to safeguard our environment. This will help our country meet crucial goals on climate change and protecting nature and biodiversity.

In addition, the Environment Bill will place environmental ambition and accountability at the heart of Government. Legislative measures will be introduced to address the biggest environmental priorities of our age, including nature recovery, ensuring we can deliver on the commitment to leave the natural world in a better condition than we found it. A new framework for Local Nature Recovery Strategies will be legislated for in the Environment Bill, to help support the Nature Recovery Network and better direct investment in the environment and green infrastructure – creating places that are richer in wildlife and provide wider benefits for local communities.

February 2020

Clear Access, Clear Waters

Selaine's response:

I am enthusiastic about promoting sport and recreation in the countryside, and understand the positive benefits outdoor activities can have.  However, I am also mindful of the rights of communities and people who live or work on land adjoining water and so we must seek to maintain this delicate balance between the rights of all parties.

I therefore support continuing to use local, voluntary agreements to increase river access for walkers, swimmers and non-powered craft.  The rights of other users, as well as protection for wildlife and the environment, are important considerations. These sensitive issues can best be dealt with at a local level rather than through a one size fits all approach decided in Westminster.

I share your concern about the health of our rivers and I am glad we have made good progress.  More than 5,300 miles of rivers have been improved since 2010.This means our rivers are in the healthiest state for 25 years with otters, salmon, sea trout and other wildlife returning to many rivers for the first time since the industrial revolution.

As well as this, since the water industry was privatised, around £25 billion has been invested to reduce pollution from sewage, covering improvements in sewage treatment and in sewer overflows keeping our rivers clean.

January 2020

Air Quality

Selaine's response:

I am in favour of strict targets on air pollution and ours have been described by the WHO as ‘an example for the rest of the world to follow’. The Government’s Clean Air Strategy aims to cut air pollution through new primary legislation. The Strategy details how the UK will go much further than the EU in reducing particulate matter pollution. It sets out to halve the number of people living in areas with high concentrations of particulate matter and it will mean legislation to give councils more power to improve air quality and ensure that only the cleanest domestic fuels and stoves can be sold.

The Environment Bill will build on this Strategy, and highlight our drive to go further to clean up our air. The Bill will set ambitious, legally-binding targets to reduce fine particulate matter and these targets will be among the most ambitious in the world, improving the quality of millions of people’s live.

January 2020

Finn's Law Part 2

Selaine's response:

Thank you very much for contacting me about the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill.

I completely agree that we need to have the right legislation in place to ensure that those who are cruel to animals or who neglect their welfare are properly punished. The UK is a country of animal lovers and MPs must reflect that when making decisions. I am therefore happy to say that the Government will introduce legislation to increase the maximum sentence for animal cruelty to five years imprisonment.

This is on top of a number of other animal welfare measures such the ban on the use of animals in travelling circuses, passed last year. Moving forward, consultations are being set up to look at banning long journeys for animals being transported for slaughter and further restrictions on the trade in hunting trophies.

January 2020

Friends of the Earth

Selaine’s response:

I can absolutely assure you that climate change is at the forefront of my decision making and I am in favour of rapid cuts to carbon emissions. I want to continue the progress we have made thus far (a 25% reduction in carbon emissions over the past nine years) and redouble our efforts so that the planet is in a fit state to be passed on to future generations. 

Putting the net-zero by 2050 target into law marked an important moment and showed just how far we have come as a country in forging a strong consensus behind climate action. I am concerned, however, that 2050 might be too late and I will be liaising with Ministers to explore whether we could achieve net-zero sooner.

January 2020

Generation Sea

Selaine’s response:

I believe the best approach to stemming the flow of plastic is by taking action on land. The UK’s world-leading ban on microbeads will help stop potentially billions of particles from entering our seas every year, and over 15.6 billion fewer bags have been issued since the introduction of the plastic bag charge in 2015. I am also pleased that following an open consultation a ban on the supply of plastic straws, excluding those needed for medical purposes, plus drinks stirrers and cotton buds will come into force next April.

Since water privatisation, around £25 billion has been invested to reduce pollution from sewage, covering improvements in sewage treatment and overflows. In England, between 2015 and 2020, water companies are investing over £3 billion to improve their sewerage infrastructure. It is also encouraging to see tough enforcement action when things go wrong, as with the unprecedented fine of almost £20 million levied against Thames Water in March 2017 in response to six cases of avoidable sewage pollution.

I am pleased that 41 new Marine Conservation Zones have been created. The UK now has 355 Marine Protected Areas of different types, spanning 220,000 square km. No new activities deemed damaging may take place in these areas and existing harmful activities will be minimised or stopped to allow important habitats to recover.

A review has now been launched into whether and how Highly Protected Marine Areas, the strongest form of marine protection, could be introduced in English seas. This will help inform the Government’s work to expand and strengthen the UK’s Blue Belt to create richer habitats for marine life.

January 2020