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Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 (named day). It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Squirrels: Pest Control

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle the predominance of the grey squirrel population during this Parliament.

Answer

The Grey Squirrel Policy Statement was published in January 2026. This policy statement sets out the actions we will take over the next five years to manage the impact of grey squirrels.

Actions include encouraging landowners to take greater action through financial incentives and advice through Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier. The Government is paying £60 per hectare to manage and reduce the impact of grey squirrels. We are backing our nation’s conservation volunteers and landowners, by leading communication on the impacts of grey squirrels and providing support for training in grey squirrel management. We are also working with UK Squirrel Accord to support research into immunocontraception.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
129081
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Squirrels Pest control
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk