Forests Freed From Privatisation Threat

A consultation on the future management of the Public Forest Estate has been halted and all forestry clauses in the Public Bodies Bill will be removed, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman confirmed today.

The Government has in fact abandoned its controversial plans to privatise England's public forests in the face of widespread criticism.

Caroline Spelman admitted that "we got this one wrong", as she said she was halting the public consultation into the plans.

The proposals to offload the public forest estate to companies, communities and charities had met with protests and criticism from conservation groups and campaigners, who hailed today's U-turn a victory for "people power".

Mrs Spelman also announced that an independent panel of experts would examine forestry policy in England and report back to her in the autumn.

Speaking in the House of Commons the Environment Secretary said: "I would first like to say that I take full responsibility for the situation that brings me before the House today.

"Let me make it clear that we have always placed the highest priority on preserving access and protecting our forests. But the forestry clauses in the Public Bodies Bill, published well before we launched the consultation, gave the wrong impression as to the Government's intentions.

"I have taken a decision to end the consultation on the future of the Public Forest Estate and I take full responsibility for that. I am doing so because it is quite clear from the early responses to the consultation that the public and many MPs are not happy with the proposals we set out.

"Second, the Government will support the removal of the forestry clauses from the Public Bodies Bill, currently at committee stage in the House of Lords," she said.

"Thirdly I would like to announce that I am establishing an independent Panel to consider forestry policy in England. It will report to me with its findings this autumn.

"The Panel will advise me on the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in England, on the role of the Forestry Commission, and on the role of the Public Forest Estate.

"The Panel will include representatives of key environmental and access organisations alongside representatives of the forestry industry. I will shortly publish its membership and terms of reference," she explained, noting there "is one clear message from this experience".

"People cherish their forests and woodlands and the benefits they bring. My first priority throughout this period of debate has been securing a sustainable future for our woodlands and forests.

"On many occasions in the House last autumn, Ministers gave assurances that our aim in all of this has been to do more to maintain and enhance the public benefits delivered by forestry - from recreational access to wildlife protection; from tackling climate change to sustaining a wide range of small businesses. That is why my ambition to provide a better future for our forests is undiminished."

She said she had spoken to the RSPB, the National Trust, the Woodland Trust, the Wildlife Trusts, the Ramblers and other groups.

"We have also been listening to MPs on all sides of the House many of whom have set up their own initiatives with local groups. We want to support them in this.

"Finally, I am sorry, we got this one wrong, but we have listened to people's concerns. I would like to thank colleagues for their support through what has been a difficult time. I now want to move forward in step with the public.

"I hope that the measures I have announced today, signalling a fresh approach, demonstrate my intention to do the right thing for our forests and woodlands."

(BMcC/GK)