To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.


Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Division Vote (Commons)
24 May 2024 - Tribunal and Inquiries - View Vote Context
Andrew Selous (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 131 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 135 Noes - 10
Written Question
Plants: Weed Control
Friday 24th May 2024

Asked by: Andrew Selous (Conservative - South West Bedfordshire)

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to SB6 of the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (Rhododendron Control), how many agreements have been reached to date; how many hectares are covered by those agreements; and how many hectares has rhododendron successfully been removed from.

Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Rhododendron ponticum is one of the most damaging invasive plants in the UK; it prevents woodland regeneration and destroys the natural understorey which has consequent impacts on birds and invertebrates. Countryside Stewardship (CS) option SB6 supports the control of rhododendrons, reducing the negative effect this can have on a site.

There are 487 CS agreements containing SB6, which cover a total of 2,615 hectares. SB6 is a CS capital item and can only be claimed once the work has been completed, to date 1,462 hectares of Rhododendrons have been removed.

In addition to the existing SB6 capital item, we will be introducing a revenue item later this year to support continued control of rhododendron once initial control has been undertaken. Some further information can be found within Technical annex: The combined environmental land management offer - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).


Written Question
Plants: Weed Control
Friday 24th May 2024

Asked by: Andrew Selous (Conservative - South West Bedfordshire)

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the SB6 Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier grant for rhododendron control.

Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We are committed to reviewing all actions in Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive, on a phased basis over time. As part of the reviews, we will take into account comments from farmers and stakeholders and ensure guidance is appropriate.

Rhododendron ponticum is one of the most damaging invasive plants in the UK; it prevents woodland regeneration and destroys the natural understorey which has consequent impacts on birds and invertebrates. In addition to the existing SB6 capital item, we will be introducing a revenue item later this year to support continued control of rhododendron once initial control has been undertaken.


Division Vote (Commons)
23 May 2024 - Finance (No.2) Bill - View Vote Context
Andrew Selous (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 210 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 215 Noes - 19
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 23 May 2024
Oral Answers to Questions

Speech Link

View all Andrew Selous (Con - South West Bedfordshire) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions

Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 23 May 2024
Oral Answers to Questions

Speech Link

View all Andrew Selous (Con - South West Bedfordshire) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions

Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 23 May 2024
Oral Answers to Questions

Speech Link

View all Andrew Selous (Con - South West Bedfordshire) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions

Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 23 May 2024
Oral Answers to Questions

Speech Link

View all Andrew Selous (Con - South West Bedfordshire) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions

Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 23 May 2024
Oral Answers to Questions

Speech Link

View all Andrew Selous (Con - South West Bedfordshire) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions

Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 23 May 2024
Oral Answers to Questions

Speech Link

View all Andrew Selous (Con - South West Bedfordshire) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions