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Useful debate in the Lords just now on the UK& #39;s failure to meet the UN Aichi Targets on biodiversity and @Natures_Voice #LostDecade report. THREAD 
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1/ The first question was from @kateparminter, who challenged @ZacGoldsmith on the failure to bring forward a ban of burning peat bogs. @ZacGoldsmith responded "The govt has always been clear of the need to phase out burning...we& #39;re looking at how legislation can achieve this"
2/ @IainMcNicol set out the lack of progress against the Aichi targets, particularly on species, habitats and funding. @ZacGoldsmith said more needs to be done, but the £640m nature climate fund and increased international funding, amongst others, are evidence of govt commitment.
3/ Baroness Hooper asked about the UK Overseas Territories and what support the govt are giving to them. @ZacGoldsmith replied that protecting biodiversity in the UKOTs remains a priority with a new £10m funding stream and expansion of the blue belt.
4/ Lord Grantchester asked about the disparity between the @Natures_Voice report on progress on Aichi targets and the govt& #39;s own assessment. @ZacGoldsmith accepted "we do not dispute that protected areas need to be better managed" #LostDecade
5/ @LorelyBurt cuts to the point "My Lords, we& #39;ve failed...clearly we can& #39;t be truted to save out own wildlife, unless we make ourselves take the action needed..So isn& #39;t now the time to set legally binding targets, for own sakes and ultimately, the planet?" #LostDecade
6/ In response, @ZacGoldsmith says that the Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries Bills, along with a big focus on nature based solutions, will mean we do meet commitments in future.
7/ Finally, @natalieben asks about increased cases of raptor persecution in lockdown, and suggests govt should be bringing forward a ban of driven grouse shooting, rather than a special exemption from covid rules to allow shoots to go ahead.
8/ In his final response, @ZacGoldsmith says the decision mirrors those in Scotland and Wales, and its not a special dispensation as has been reported.
That& #39;s it. A good debate, thanks to all Peers who spoke up and especially @lordtev for getting it on the agenda. #LostDecade
That& #39;s it. A good debate, thanks to all Peers who spoke up and especially @lordtev for getting it on the agenda. #LostDecade
