All Party Parliamentary Group on Archaeology

At the first meeting of 2023 the APPG on Archaeology we paid tribute to the late Professor Tim Shadla Hall of UCL who sadly passed away. Tim was an important member of the Group and we will miss his contributions. 

Lord Parkinson the Minister for Arts and Heritage updated us on the Reform of the treasure Act . Lord Parkinson said an SI will be laid on or around 20 February bringing it into force.  It expands the definition of treasure to include finds of archaeological, cultural and historical significance. There were 1,298 cases of treasure last year. More objects have been found but the public needs to be educated that finds have to be reported as more and more are taking it up as a hobby. The number of permits issued by the Port of London Authority has been closed. there are now 40,000 detectorists. 

I mentioned that some constituents did not consider they had enough time to respond to the Consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework review and so  I tabled a written question to ask for an extension as they only had 8 weeks.  

There are 2 exciting digs near Westminster, at the National Gallery and at 50 Fenchurch Street which is the site of a medieval church and burial ground over the next 6 months. I look forward to visiting the sites.  

The APPG is chaired by Tim Loughton MP.