Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has joined the International Fund for Animal Welfare in calling on the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs Council to permanently fund the National Wildlife Crime Unit.
The National Wildlife Crime Unit is a specialist unit which is dedicated to tackling wildlife crime. It plays a vital role in enforcing wildlife law in the UK and globally. However, since its inception in 2006, the National Wildlife Crime Union has never received permanent funding.
In 2016, the Government granted a four-year funding period to the National Wildlife Crime Unit, providing the longest period of stability in its history. However, the funding is set to end this month which will leave the future of the National Wildlife Crime Unit uncertain.
This is why the National Wildlife Crime Unit are appealing to the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs Council for the permanent funding enjoyed by other specialist units.
Gwynne heard about the issues facing the National Wildlife Crime Unit at an event held in Parliament by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, a global non-profit organisation concerned about animal welfare and conservation.
Andrew Gwynne MP said:
“The National Wildlife Crime Unit do fantastic work on animal welfare and conservation around the world.
“It is not right that this specialist unit must reapply for funding every few years to remain in operation.
“If the Government are serious about wanting to stop wildlife crime, they need to fund the National Wildlife Crime Unit.”
