List of alien species of Union concern

2.12.2015

Question for written answer E-015331-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Ashley Fox (ECR)

I have been contacted by residents of the South West of England regarding the list of alien species of Union concern pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 and the potentially devastating effect of the banning of three specific plants.

There is compelling scientific evidence that Eichhornia crassipes, Lagarosiphon major and Cabomba caroliniana pose absolutely no risk in the UK whatsoever because the climate is significantly different to the rest of Europe.

1. Does the Commission agree that a more nuanced approach should be taken to ensure that local climate conditions are taken into account for specific Member States before a plant is banned? Many businesses in the region have taken a proactive response to plant safety with the ‘Be Plant Wise’ campaign and there is no reason for an EU level ban on species which have been successfully managed through domestic law for many years.

2. With this in mind, could the Commission review the list of alien species of Union concern taking into account the regional variation in temperature?