Speeches by Gelderd.

“That is good to hear, and we welcome your engagement on that topic. There is plenty of Cornish rainforest that I would like to talk to you about.”

“Secretary of State, do you believe that you are prioritising sufficient funding for those environmental regulators and for environmental protection work within local authorities and within Natural England which, as we have already mentioned, is facing up to 200 job cuts?”

“Yes. The Committee always appreciates a yes or no answer and we look forward to engaging with you as those plans come forward. The review required Departments to identify biodiversity as well as carbon benefits within the process of the spending review. Did DEFRA do its own appraisal of the monetary value of those envi…”

“That is good to hear. The Treasury has said that the spending review will prioritise delivering the Government’s missions. Secretary of State, are you concerned that nature does not feature in the remit of any of those five mission boards?”

“You would say it is a priority for this Government?”

“Yes; we would welcome that. Finally, in protecting nature and meeting our environmental targets within the environmental land management schemes, how will the Government ensure success without the stability of ELM funding schemes? Is it still a priority for you and your Department?”

“It was terrible, but it had to be done. I ask the Minister to outline what support the Government will provide to areas such as South East Cornwall, where tourism is a key part of our economy, to ensure that tourism is sustained and managed, and that it grows sustainably. It is vital that my local community is equipped…”

“I congratulate the hon. Member for Mid Bedfordshire (Blake Stephenson) on securing this debate. Tourism is a cornerstone of life in South East Cornwall. From the beautiful sand beaches of Whitsand bay to the historic harbour at Polperro, our coastline is a true gem. Visitors come to Looe for its fishing heritage and vi…”

“8. If he will take steps to implement the provisions of the Environment Act 2021 on deforestation due diligence.”

“I thank the Minister for her answer. Tomorrow is the International Day of Forests. The Environment Act 2021 was passed over three years ago, with strong public and cross-party support, yet the due diligence provisions to prevent the import of commodities linked to illegal deforestation remain unimplemented, causing unc…”

“What measures are necessary to ensure the protection of these marine biospheres?”

“That is very interesting to hear. Finally, I have a question for everyone but I will come to Mr Simmonds first: what benefits does a sustainable marine environment bring to local coastal communities such as those in my area in south-east Cornwall?”

“Mr Russell, do you have anything to add to that question?”

“Finally, Mr Bell, do you have anything to add on the question about the benefits to local and coastal communities?”

“Mr Bell, what unique cultural and heritage benefits do marine biospheres represent with particular reference, of course, to the north Devon biosphere?”

“What measures are necessary to ensure the protection of these marine biospheres?”

“That is very interesting to hear. Finally, I have a question for everyone but I will come to Mr Simmonds first: what benefits does a sustainable marine environment bring to local coastal communities such as those in my area in south-east Cornwall?”

“Mr Russell, do you have anything to add to that question?”

“Absolutely. Thank you very much.”

“Absolutely. Thank you very much.”