Speeches by Davies.

“There is a number of recommendations, or pieces of guidance in respect of ancient woodlands, in the environmental improvement plan. Would you share my assessment that they feel a bit woolly? It just talks about improving the condition of ancient and semi-natural woodlands and delivering on our commitment to enhance the…”

“So we are not getting to that 10,000.”

“I have an ancient woodland site in my constituency: Chaddesden wood, which is the only ancient woodland in the city of Derby. It is a nine-hectare site that supports a rich cross-section of biodiversity, but it is, or has been, at risk from development. I did not want to miss the opportunity to speak to experts about t…”

“I understand that the responsibility for the inventory sits with MHCLG and DEFRA. This is quite a complicated space when you think about the interaction between woodland and public bodies or Government. Obviously, we have DEFRA, as you would perhaps expect, but then there is the MHCLG, local authorities, the Forestry C…”

“And that will get us there, will it? Pardon my maths.”

“Oh yes, I have written 500k.”

“Thank you for joining us today. I have some questions about Government support for ancient woodland, but before I get to them, do you have any reflections on why it would seem that we still do not have a handle on how much ancient woodland there is and where it is? I note that in the environmental improvement plan ther…”

“Okay. I just wondered if you had any thoughts about whether there was a tension between the EIP’s aims of protecting ancient woodland and some of your stakeholders who, no doubt, will want to increase timber production.”

“I certainly think there are people in my local area who would love to engage with an activity like that. What Government initiatives are there to restore ancient woodland, and how are they being delivered? I know that the Government—correct me if I am wrong—have an aspiration to create and restore 500 hectares of wildl…”

“Time is short, but I wonder if I might bring you in, Mr Knight. Are you familiar with the environmental improvement plan?”

“Is there enough synergy between the environmental improvement plan and the NPPF, or are they diametrically opposed on this?”

“Well, I shall inquire as to how it is getting on.”

“Can the public help with the inventory, if they are enthusiasts?”

“I think I have 30 seconds.”

“My hon. Friend is generous in giving way. He is making important points about potential overreach of the state. Might I suggest that this is not the end for the Bill and that if there are concerns—people are rightly raising issues—we can progress them in Committee and at subsequent stages to ensure that the Bill is whe…”

“That is very interesting. I would also note that sometimes it is felt that legislation or Government measures have come through that have probably been at odds with your priorities. I am thinking particularly about the decision on APR, because we know that small farmers often are very good at being stewards and custodi…”

“My hon. Friend is making a very good speech and putting victims at the heart of what she is saying. I share some of her concerns about the legislation as it stands, but does she agree that we should vote for it today, so that we have the opportunity to influence it and improve it in the interests of public trust as it …”

“Yes, but does it reflect a sense within Government that they—”

“It is really good to hear about that collaboration. As you say, what comes through your Department is fundamental for human life. I just wonder, although your collaboration with DESNZ is clearly good, to what extent the priorities of your Department are reflected in the things that are done to you by either the Treasur…”

“Thank you for joining us, Secretary of State. When we stood for election in 2024, we would have both talked a lot about Labour’s five missions for Government. I think the first one is that we must have the fastest growth in the G7, and the second was that Britain was to be a clean energy superpower. It is clear to see …”