Biodiversity and endangered species discussed in Lords debate

Debate 

The Earl of Caithness (Conservative), former Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, put forward the debate.  

This was a general debate. During debates, members put their experience to good use to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns.      

Members speaking  

Contributing members included:

• Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville (Liberal Democrat), Liberal Democrat spokesperson for environment, food and rural affairs
• Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green), fellow of the Horticultural Trades Association
• Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour), resident of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

Opening the debate, the Earl of Caithness said:

'In 2020, with the Agriculture Act, the government set out the new way forward for farming in England. The environmental land management scheme was to become the main vehicle for providing financial support to farmers in the future. The transition has not been, and is still not, straightforward. Systems need to change and adapt as they are developed.'

Lord Douglas-Miller (Conservative), Minister for Biosecurity, Animal Health and Welfare, responded on behalf of the government:

'Earlier this month, the Secretary of State announced an update to the agricultural transition plan. This represents the biggest upgrade to farming schemes since the start of the agricultural transition in 2021. The key message from the Secretary of State, which I reiterate today, is that we are delivering more money, more choice and more trust.' 

Get involved  

Watch and read the debate   

Catch up on Parliament TV or read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore background information

Find out more in the House of Lords Library briefing on the debate.

Learn more about how the House of Lords checks and challenges government.

Image: Robin Greenwood/Pixabay