Climate Change: Wildfire Strategy and Action Plan

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Excerpts

Thursday 8th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Khan of Burnley (Lab)]

My Lords, the noble Earl made an interesting point and spoke about the ingredients that contribute to wildfires. On his request to check with Natural England, I will go back and check with colleagues on this particular area. We work with stakeholders across the country, in particular local fire and rescue services and fire authorities in relevant areas. I will come back to the noble Earl with some assurances of the work Natural England is doing.

[Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Lab)]

My Lords, I encourage my noble friend the Minister to talk to the devolved nations and regions, particularly the Northern Ireland Executive. In Northern Ireland, there has been considerable prevalence of wildfires over the last months and the last few years. Could the Minister discuss with the devolved nations and regions causes and mitigation measures to ensure the protection of natural wildlife habitats?

[Lord Khan of Burnley (Lab)]

My noble friend is right to highlight that wildfire is a devolved issue. The national resilience wildfire adviser covers the whole United Kingdom. My department has a very strong relationship with the devolved Governments across all areas, but I will have conversations with relevant counterparts within the devolved departments—those in Northern Ireland in particular—and find out more about how we can do things more collaboratively, as this issue affects all our nations.