Helen speaks up for swifts in Parliament

Helen Morgan MP called for swift bricks to be introduced in all newbuild estates as she raised her constituents’ concerns in Parliament.

Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate, Helen warned of the birds’ concerning decline in the UK and urged the Government to adapt legislation to make it compulsory for swifts to be protected in newly built developments.

Swifts have recently been added to the UK red list for birds after their numbers declined by almost 60% since 1995. Despite this, there are currently no planning regulations which protect swift populations in the UK.

The debate was called after an e-petition was signed by over 100,000 people, 305 of whom are from North Shropshire.

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, said, “Swifts are beautiful birds and a huge part of our wildlife in North Shropshire. But while they are incredibly impressive, they are also in danger of becoming even rarer in the UK if action is not taken.

“We must provide swifts with a safe habitat by installing swift bricks in new homes, as well as working to protect precious biodiversity in the UK to ensure feeding grounds are sufficient for their survival”.

Helen highlighted the work of local North Shropshire author Sarah Gibson, described the importance of swifts to the environment in North Shropshire and outlined the benefits of mandating swift brick use in developments in the UK. She explained that, not only are the bricks cheap to produce, but they have also been proven to increase populations of swifts as well as other endangered bird species, such as house martins and starlings.

Helen also warned that the decline in the numbers of swifts in the UK is also linked to the pollution of prime feeding habitats like wetlands and grasslands, causing major food insecurity for swifts.

Helen called on the Government to look at the Levelling Up Bill, the national planning policy framework, and future homes standard to take this simple step as the first move in support of such amazing birds and biodiversity the UK.