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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the effect of the hen harrier taskforce on trends in the level of crimes against hen harriers on grouse moors.

Defra is a principal funder of the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) and is providing £530,000 for the Unit this year. In 2024, the NWCU launched the Hen Harrier Task Force (HTF) – a partnership designed to help tackle the illegal persecution of hen harriers. Through the HTF, more efficient working between partners expedites the coordination of effective enforcement response. The HTF represents a pivotal shift in combating wildlife crime, using innovative technology such as tracking drones and detection dogs to overcome logistical challenges and enhance evidence collection in remote areas.

There is an ongoing review of the HTF which is expected to report to Defra later this year. It will include an overview of confirmed crimes and their locations as well as successes and recommendations for the future.