23rd March 2006

PEERS CALL FOR ACTION TO SAVE RED SQUIRRELS 

The House of Lords today (Thursday 23^rd March) debated the future of Britain’s red squirrels.

In a debate opened by Earl Peel, peers heard how Britain’s red squirrel population is under a severe and real threat of extinction as a result of the spread of the alien grey squirrel.  “Immediate and effective action is needed by the government and its agencies to save the red squirrel,” said Lord Peel.

In less than ten years it is likely the red squirrel will be extinct. Peers learnt how the grey squirrel carries a disease, squirrel pox, to which they are immune – but is deadly to red squirrels.

The government’s commitment to biodiversity was questioned by many peers who felt that the government was failing to honour its international obligations and to show leadership through government bodies such as the Forestry Commission and English Nature.

For the government, Lord Bach reiterated the government’s current commitment to protect red squirrel strongholds but stated that it was unrealistic to see the re-establishment of red squirrels in the foreseeable future. Lord Peel summing up the debate said, “I welcome the intentions expressed by the Minister but what we need is action on the ground now”.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Issued on behalf of the ESI by Kendalls.

For more information, please contact Andrew Kendall, telephone 01394 610022.  Mobile:  07850 601354

Contact telephone number for Earl Peel:  01765 688801