I have received correspondence from constituents who have enquired about the National Wildlife Crime Unit, and the work it undertakes to tackle wildlife crime. I am keen to ensure that public (and private or charitable) bodies which assist with the monitoring, and detection, of criminal acts against wildlife and nature are supported to ensure proper protection.
The Government recognises the work the National Wildlife Crime Unit does to help tackle wildlife crime both in the UK and internationally, which is why it committed to provide funding for the organisation until the end of March. Decisions about further funding for the Unit will be made as part of the wider spending review that is currently being undertaken by Government departments.
However, the National Wildlife Crime Unit is not the only mechanism which offers protection to wildlife in the UK. In addition to its work, Border Force acts to prevent wildlife products being smuggled at the border. The Government also helps tackle wildlife crime through the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW), a multi-agency body comprising representatives of the Government and voluntary bodies with an interest in combating wildlife crime.
Ministers are working hard on this issue with overseas governments as well. In 2014 the Foreign Secretary chaired a major conference on the illegal wildlife trade, where over 40 countries agreed on decisive action to protect wildlife. This included continuing to back the elephant ivory trade ban, specifying poaching and wildlife trafficking as "serious crimes" under the relevant UN Convention and strengthening co-ordination across borders.
I grew up in a rural environment and am very proud to represent a constituency where almost 80 per cent of the expanse is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Living in a remote and rural part in East Sussex, as I do, I can assure you that I am keen to protect and preserve our habitat, and the wildlife which lives within.
Update 01/03/2016
The Right Honorable Rory Stewart MP announces a further 4 years of funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit.
“In recognition of the important contribution the unit makes to tackling wildlife crime, both at home and abroad, I can confirm that Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and Home Office ministers have agreed [to] each provide funding of £136,000 a year for the next four financial years,” said Stewart. “This will give the unit significant financial stability and enable their vital work to continue until at least 2020.”