A WARRINGTON MP has submitted a question over the red squirrel population in England.

Warrington North Labour MP Charlotte Nichols submitted her written question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, also known as Defra.

She asked the Secretary of State whether he plans to reintroduce red squirrels in parts of England.

The two species of UK squirrel are red and grey, with the former being a native species which has lived in the UK for around 10,000 years, and the latter introduced to the UK from North America by the Victorians in the 1800s.

According to The Wildlife Trusts, without conservation management, red squirrels could become extinct in England, with ‘time running out’ to save the species.

The question was answered by Mary Creagh, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Defra.

She replied: “The leading causes of red squirrel decline in England include competition from non-native grey squirrels, squirrel pox virus and habitat availability.

“Conservation of red squirrels is therefore targeted to red squirrel stronghold areas in the north of England.

“All reintroductions in England are expected to follow the code for reintroductions and other conservation translocations.

“The UK Squirrel Accord, to which Defra, Natural England, and the Forestry Commission are signatories, is working to better understand the appropriate strategies for conserving the red squirrel.

“This work includes identifying, protecting and strengthening existing red squirrel populations, expanding their current range and promoting better understanding and support for their conservation.

“Future conservation actions will be informed by this work.

“Once the work of the strategy has concluded and its recommendations set out, we will consider whether red squirrels should be reintroduced.

“In the meantime, the red squirrel action plan contains actions that could improve their habitats.”