Alex Cunningham MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for the Natural Environment, responding to the Government’s announcement that the National Wildlife Crime Unit will be funded until 2020, said:

“After months of hesitation and uncertainty, this is a welcome last-minute reprieve for the National Wildlife Crime Unit.

“With less than a month before their funding ran out, the important work of the Unit was severely compromised and vital intelligence jeopardised. But after a sustained campaign by Labour and others, the future of this specialist police team has been secured for another four years.

“But, like the police budget, funding for the Unit has not been protected in real-terms. With 18,000 police officers lost already under David Cameron, the National Wildlife Crime Unit will find itself having to do more with less if it is to continue its success in tackling wildlife crime.”