Cardiovascular System: Children

 

Barry Sheerman suggests the best way to protect the environment is to get people to visit it and that children's access to green spaces must be increased.

 

Hilary Benn (Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Leeds Central, Labour)

I share the hon. Gentleman's concern, and we are trying to find the most effective way to deal with such invasive species. I am happy to write to him to set out the steps that we are seeking to take.

 

Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield, Labour)

Does my right hon. Friend agree that if we are to protect the natural environment, we have to get people to visit it? Has he seen the Natural England survey showing that children's access to green space and the natural environment has halved in a generation. What are the Government going to do about that?

 

Hilary Benn (Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Leeds Central, Labour)

I have seen that report, and I share my hon. Friend's desire that more people should have the chance to get out there. The national parks provide a wonderful opportunity for that, and of course the coastal access provisions of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill, which received its Third Reading earlier this week, will provide further opportunities for young people and others to enjoy the beauty of our countryside.