ON 10 July, MPs debated the introduction of a law that would mean builders must use hollow bricks in all new housing, so that birds such as swifts, house sparrows and starlings have places to nest.

However, after an hour-long debate, the motion was rejected. The swift population has declined by at least 60% since 1995, with many new energy efficient houses sealing up the places where they would nest.

Writer Hannah Bourne-Taylor decided to take action by launching an online petition that gained more than 100,000 signatures. She said: “We can help these birds that have existed for 65 million years with a brick, and in return they will scream in delight.”

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas was also in favour. She said: “If the swift goes, it will be its own tragedy but it’ll also be symbolic of so much else.” Conservative MP Dehenna Davison said: “More research is needed on how best we monitor and improve swift populations.

The Government do not at present intend to make swift bricks compulsory in new housing.” Mark Avery, co-founder of the Wild Justice organisation, said that it was a “disappointing debate”.

What do you think?