NON-NATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES

That this House is concerned that the estimated annual cost to the economy of the damage caused by non-native invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and Hottentot fig is in excess of two billion pounds; notes that the most cost-effective and least environmentally-damaging approach to solving the problems caused by non-native invasive species is through prevention, rapid response and early intervention; recognises that non-native invasive species have the ability to cause damage to the environment, the economy, our health and the way we live; further notes that the Invasive Non-Native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain calls for a rapid response system to be created and preventative approach adopted; expresses regret that sufficiently robust controls to prevent the arrival of species known already to be causing damage elsewhere are not in place; expresses further regret that there is no obligation for statutory bodies to enact a rapid response system and no designated resources have been declared for prevention and rapid response; and therefore calls on the Government to identify the resources and the administrative means to ensure that such systems can be implemented.