Simon Hoare, Member of Parliament for North Dorset, is thrilled that the National Wildlife Crime Unit has secured 4 years of funding needed for its work to help with the long-term fight against wildlife crime at home and abroad.
Speaking in support of the settlement, Simon said: “This is fantastic news for British wildlife. World Animal Protection has led a stellar campaign and the Government has listened; crucial resources can now be secured to help ensure wildlife protection. North Dorset is home to an array of distinctive wildlife and this settlement will be hugely beneficial in helping to implement policies that will have a positive impact on our rural economy.”
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for DEFRA, Rory Stewart MP, said: “In recognition of the important contribution the National Wildlife Unit makes to tackling wildlife crime, both at home and abroad, I can confirm that Defra and Home Office Ministers have agreed that their respective departments will each provide the Unit with funding of £136,000 a year for the next four financial years.
“This will give the Unit significant financial stability and enable their vital work to continue until at least 2020. Those contributions will be in addition to the funding central Government provides to police forces in England and Wales to tackle all types of crime (including wildlife crime).”