The big issue

Invasive species are those that are introduced or spread in a way that causes harm to native biodiversity, the economy, our health and the way we live. They are introduced into areas outside their natural past or present distribution, either deliberately or accidentally.

Globally invasive non native species are one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss and are a significant problem for the UK Overseas Territories which are home to 90% of the UK’s biodiversity. Many of these are small and remote islands which have high levels of rare and endemic biodiversity. They can be particularly harmful in these environments as many of the native plants and animals have evolved without many predators, competitors and diseases.

The number of non-native invasive species in the UK and its overseas territories is among the highest globally and their presence is growing with the expansion of international trade, transport and travel. Around ten new species become established in the UK each year.

About this session

This session explores how invasive species are impacting the UK’s Overseas Territories and how biosecurity can be improved both here and at home in the UK to prevent the arrival and establishment of species.

The event will help inform recommendations that the Committee will be making to Government in a major report on invasive species to be released in the Autumn.

Agenda

10:15am – Introduction from Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, Mary Creagh MP

The Committee will hear evidence from:

10:30 (approx) a panel discussion on the impacts and solutions to invasive species in the UK’s Overseas Territories with:

Catherine Wensink, Executive Director, UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum
Dr Jonathan Hall, Head of UK Overseas Territories, RSPB
Kevin Hughes, Environmental Research and Monitoring Manager, British Antarctic Survey
Dr Mark Belchier, Director of Fisheries and Environment, Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

11.30 (approx) a panel discussion on biosecurity, trade and how to prevent invasive species arriving and establishing in the UK with:

Dr David Aldridge, Senior Lecturer in Aquatic Biology, Fellow, St Catharine's College, Cambridge
Dr Tracey King, Assistant Chief Executive, Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association
Rob Quest, Assistant Director (Animal Health and Welfare), City of London Corporation
Wayne Grills, Chief Executive, British Association of Landscape Industries

If you know anyone else who would be interested, please pass on this information.

Admission to the evidence hearing is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that as not everyone who asks for tickets uses them, to make sure we have a full house we send out more tickets than there are places. We do our best to get the numbers right, but please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Doors will open at 10am.

All Parliamentary events are subject to change or cancellation at short notice if required due to official parliamentary business.

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Registrations are closed

Invasive species evidence session | Cambridge | 11 June