§ Earl Peel asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Given that Article 8H of the Convention on Biological Diversity and Article 11 of the Berne Convention states that member states should eradicate or contain those alien species threatening biodiversity, what action they intend to take in order to comply with these articles in relation to the grey squirrel. [HL473]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)Article 11 of the Berne Convention requires contracting parties to control strictly the introduction of non-native species. But grey squirrels have been present in Great Britain since the end of the 19th century and were already widespread by the time the UK ratified the convention in 1982.
Article 8(h) of the Convention on Biological Diversity indicates that contracting parties should "as far as possible and as appropriate …" prevent the introduction of, control and eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats and species. Decision VI/23, agreed at the sixth conference of the parties to CBD, recommended that parties incorporate invasive alien species considerations into national biodiversity strategies and action plans. The most serious impact of the grey squirrel on native biodiversity is covered in the species action plan for the red squirrel. Targeted control of grey squirrels to protect threatened populations of red squirrels is part of the recommended actions of the UK Red Squirrel Group, set up as a partnership to lead the species action plan.