Could Brexit Mean A Cull For The Gulls?

Brexit could mean losing Britain’s seagulls’ European protection.

17:48 10 February 2017

Currently, the EU Birds Directive protects all 500 of the wild bird species found in Europe. Brexit could mean that Britain’s seagulls would lose their European protection leaving councils to control gulls in urban areas. In the past, gulls have been seen as a menace in the UK’s coastal towns for attacking people and pets.

 

John Woodcock, Labour MP for Barrow and Furness, said: “Seagulls have terrorised the people of Barrow for too long and it is time to take back our communities from these pests.

 

“Seagulls attack vulnerable people, foul our streets and cause a serious public health risk at Furness General Hospital, we need to get a grip on the problem and do it quickly.”

 

“It is nonsense that we are unable to control the gull population due to EU law and I hope that leaving gives us the opportunity to take the necessary action to free our town from this winged menace.”

 

A spokesperson for the RSPB said: “Sadly many species of gulls are in decline including herring and lesser black-backed gulls, with a number globally threatened.

 

“The UK has become a vital stronghold for these iconic birds of our coasts.

 

“All gulls are protected under UK law, and in light of their threatened status, a cull can only be permitted by a Government of the UK in exceptional circumstances, where there is clear evidence of a specific problem and when no non-lethal solution is available.”