Natural England: Gamebird Release Licensing

Lord Gardiner of Kimble Excerpts

Tuesday 21st July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I can confirm that I have confidence in the chair of Natural England. My understanding is that he was appointed for a third term because there was a new Government and it was decided that continuity was important.

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Con)]

My Lords, to play in what the noble Lord, Lord Rooker, said, I think that what has broken down is trust; that is, trust on the part of so many in the rural communities in relation to what has appeared to be imposed upon them. I encourage the Minister, with her rural credentials, to seek to rebuild this sense of working together rather than against communities. It is all very well saying that this is not happening; it is happening. That is the feeling of rural communities. I ask and, indeed, implore the Minister to ensure that Defra, in the work that it is doing, really drills down with some of these bodies that they are meant to be working for people, not against them.

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I hope I can reassure the noble Lord that I always believe in working together and constructively. When I am involved in issues in Defra, that is an approach that I always encourage, because people get better understanding of what is important and what is needed if they work together. We have a new Secretary of State, as I am sure noble Lords are aware. She was a Minister in Defra before, which is helpful, and I shall make sure that she understands the concerns of this House.