Hmmmm..... Exterminate because 'Invasive nonnative species not only have a detrimental effect on our native wildlife and habitats, but also our economy: agriculture, forestry and fisheries all suffer from their impacts ..'

Where does this begin and end? Veeeery interesting...

helen, norwich,

One could argue that homo sapiens are the most destructive alien species on Planet Earth.

Pete, Cov,

The Minister's staement is not befotre time. Grey Squirrells are a national menace and for too long have been allowed to decimare our natural wild life and habitat. There should be a bounty paid for everyone killed

Curtiss, Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire

I thought they were talking about... never mind.

rexhall bierbaum, city of townville,

Wonder how they're going to get the Human Rights Act to apply to this one?

Bry Barnes, Somerset, UK

Why pick on the Grey Squirrel? Because the current population numbers are 66:1 in favour of the grey squirrel over the native red squirrel. Unless action is taken now against greys there will be no red squirrels left in England in 10-15 years time - fact.
The grey squirrel out-competes the red for food in most habitats, apart from dense coniferous plantations, but more importantly the grey squirrel carries and passes on the squirrel poxvirus (SQPV) to red squirrels.
This disease has virtually no impact on the health of the grey squirrel, but is invariably fatal to red squirrels within 2 weeks of transmission. It's a horrible way to die: the effects are similar to mxymatosis. If you can trap a poxed red they can be treated, but to produce a preventative vaccine would cost millions.

Save our Squirrels is working to protect the last strongholds of the red squirrel in the North of England: for more information on the issues contact saveoursquirrels.org.uk

Carri Nicholson, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Harmful aliens to be exterminated? For a moment I thought that you were writing about Abu Qatada. With the likes of him around, why pick on the poor Grey Squirrels?

H.Thornton, Victoria, Canada

I agree. Along with yobs and vandals.

Peter Day, Doncaster, Yorkshire