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Game: Gun Sports

Asked by Robbie MooreConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 3 June 2026UIN 4320

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential (a) economic and (b) employment impact of Natural England’s current approach to licensing gamebird releases in Special Protected Areas.

Answered by Mary Creagh

A post-implementation review was conducted in 2024. It recommended that the Order should remain in force. This is until Defra can conclude that unregulated gamebird release does not have a significant effect on the conservation objectives of a European site. Alternatively, it would remain in force until viable options for monitoring and regulating gamebird release are identified.

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