UK needs better regulations to tackle tree pests and pathogens

The UK government needs a chief plant-health officer to develop a risk register and lead on the management of those risks, according to the Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Expert Taskforce.

In its final report, published on 20 May, the group says that existing legalisation is not satisfactory, and calls for governance in the UK to be strengthened and simplified. This includes the need for a more coherent strategy between the four UK nations, which at present rely on “the goodwill of the individuals” at the respective governing bodies, it says.

A chief plant-health officer, who would have a similar role to the chief veterinary officer, would be responsible for communicating with ministers, other interested parties and the media. They would also be tasked with challenging policies or activities and managing emergency responses to disease outbreaks.