After months of tireless campaigning by a passionate conservationist for bird-nesting bricks to be made compulsory in new housing, a debate went ahead in parliament, but with disappointing results.

Parliament saw a debate with 10 MPs taking part, on the compulsory inclusion of swift bricks in new housing, on Monday, July 10. 

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The debate followed months of campaigning by Hannah Bourne-Taylor, a nature author and passionate bird conservationist, who walked naked – covered only by swift inspired body paint – through the streets of London to launch ‘The Feather Speech’ campaign.

The installation of the ‘bird nest-friendly’ bricks is a cause also championed by the RSPB, Rewriting Extinction and many MPs from across the political spectrum.

Backed by the RSPB, Ms Bourne Taylor’s campaign reached nearly 110,000 signatories of support, all calling for swift bricks to be made compulsory in new housing to help red-listed birds.

Director of policy and advocacy at RSPB Jeff Knott said: "It was great to hear MPs from across the political spectrum speaking with a genuine, personal passion for swifts and supporting the mandatory use of swift bricks during this debate.

“But that made the response from both the Minister and Shadow Minister even more stark.

“Both gave no more than a vague commitment to think about maybe considering talking about some unspecified action at some unspecified future date.

“Do they not realise we are in a nature and climate emergency? Where is the leadership? We are long past the time for warm words. We need action and we need it now.

Hannah Bourne-Taylor, who spearheaded the campaign, added: “I stand astounded and appalled by the betrayal of both the Conservative Minster and Labour Shadow Minister.

“Have they forgotten that they’ve committed to halting biodiversity loss within this decade, or do they just not care? Swift bricks are the sole, and therefore vital, habitat for four threatened cavity nesting urban birds, whose rapid decline is an example of why Britain is the most depleted country in the G7, and why ambitious biodiversity targets have been set.

“If the government or the opposition won’t commit to arguably the easiest, and proven conservation measure, it begs the question, are they taking us - the British public who are increasingly aware of the need to act to support nature - as fools?

“The government and opposition leadership displayed their ignorance and disregard despite such a well delivered case from the 10 cross-party MPs uniting in force to support The Feather Speech petition’s aim, to make swift bricks mandatory, adding themselves the request to include them not only in new housing, but to extensions and buildings.”

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1