grahamm
Graham Mee, Southend RSPB
This was on the website of the European Commission on the 29th january (http://www.cec.org.uk/press/pr/pr04/pr0405.htm).
Presumably Malta will be the next!!!
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The European Commission is taking legal action against the UK for failing to ensure sufficient protection of wild birds, and implement fully the EU’s Wild Birds Directive.
Jim Dougal, head of the European Commission in the UK, said: "We have reminded the UK of its obligations, which it freely signed up to, of protecting rare and wild birds. Dragging its heels on this matter serves only to further endanger species that need protecting. The European Commission is determined they will be."
The United Kingdom was sent a final written warning by the Commission because its legislation, while banning the trade in protected birds and species, only covers those protected species whose natural range includes Great Britain. In addition, certain game birds are not covered at all in the UK's provisions. If these are not amended, the Commission will take the government to the European Court of Justice.
Background
The Wild Birds Directive creates a comprehensive scheme of protection for wild bird species. There are a number of separate but related components to this scheme. One relates to habitat conservation and includes a requirement to designate Special Protection Areas for migratory and other vulnerable wild bird species.
A second consists of a series of bans imposed on activities that directly threaten birds (such as the deliberate destruction of nests and the taking of eggs) and associated activities such as trading in live or dead birds.
Ends
For further information please contact the European Commission's London press office on 020 7973 1971
Presumably Malta will be the next!!!
-----------------------------------
The European Commission is taking legal action against the UK for failing to ensure sufficient protection of wild birds, and implement fully the EU’s Wild Birds Directive.
Jim Dougal, head of the European Commission in the UK, said: "We have reminded the UK of its obligations, which it freely signed up to, of protecting rare and wild birds. Dragging its heels on this matter serves only to further endanger species that need protecting. The European Commission is determined they will be."
The United Kingdom was sent a final written warning by the Commission because its legislation, while banning the trade in protected birds and species, only covers those protected species whose natural range includes Great Britain. In addition, certain game birds are not covered at all in the UK's provisions. If these are not amended, the Commission will take the government to the European Court of Justice.
Background
The Wild Birds Directive creates a comprehensive scheme of protection for wild bird species. There are a number of separate but related components to this scheme. One relates to habitat conservation and includes a requirement to designate Special Protection Areas for migratory and other vulnerable wild bird species.
A second consists of a series of bans imposed on activities that directly threaten birds (such as the deliberate destruction of nests and the taking of eggs) and associated activities such as trading in live or dead birds.
Ends
For further information please contact the European Commission's London press office on 020 7973 1971