This is a very important matter on which I spent considerable time when I was the Environment Minister.

I understand you’ve written to me on the basis of a briefing and suggested email by an organisation called Wild Justice. This recently formed organisation does have a particular view on what they believe is the best way to proceed with the conservation of hen harriers, notably about restrictions on licenced shooting. The Hen Harrier Recovery Plan (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/increasing-hen-harrier-populations-in-england-action-plan) has been in place for some time and a significant step forward was taken when a process was agreed to use brood management.  This involved a renowned international conservationist who had applied for the licence which had been granted by Natural England. Various organisations applied to the Courts to have this stopped but Natural England won the case and as a consequence the brood management programme was allowed to proceed.
 
Unfortunately, it has been suggested that some organisations have intervened indirectly to try and frustrate the brood management programme. Nevertheless, I am pleased that with the measures that have been taken as part of the recovery plan that Natural England has reported a very positive year in terms of the number of harrier chicks which have been born this year: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/a-record-breaking-year-for-hen-harrier-breeding