Talking tough on timber use

Following discussions between the two governments, the UK and Australia have agreed to work together to develop measures to stop the illegal timber trade. Barry Gardiner, minister for biodiversity, landscape and rural affairs, has met Australian fisheries, forestry and conservation minister, Senator Eric Abetz, to consider ways to combat illegal logging and protect forests across the globe.

It was agreed that the UK timber procurement policy could be a powerful means to fight illegal logging and encourage sustainable forest management practices. Gardiner said: "Australia is a key player in the Asia and Pacific region and can influence many countries. The UK is leading the world in public sector demand for legal timber from sustainably managed forests, but there is not yet the critical mass needed to transform the global market."