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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Government plans to introduce legislative proposals or guidance to increase the severity of sentences for people convicted of wildlife crimes.

There are currently no plans to increase the penalties for offences against wildlife. Within the maximum limits it is up to the court to decide the appropriate sentence in any case, having taken into account the facts of the case. Sentencing guidelines are considered by the independent Sentencing Council.