PROTECTING THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

Early day motion 171, tabled 1 December 2003 by Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Conservative). Signed by 315 members.

That this House supports and welcomes the commitment to clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas outlined in the Government's first Marine Stewardship Report; is concerned, however, about the ever increasing pressure on the marine environment from coastal and offshore activities; believes that continued degradation threatens the long-term survival of internationally valuable habitats, wildlife and maritime archaeology; further believes that such degradation of the marine environment is detrimental to the economic activities dependent on marine resources; notes that the United Kingdom does not have a strategic and co-ordinated approach for managing our marine resources and for protecting our biological and cultural heritage; and calls on the Government to introduce at the earliest opportunity, comprehensive legislation to protect and manage the marine environment in an integrated and sustainable manner.

Signatures by party: Labour 151, Conservative 86, Liberal Democrat 49, Labour/Co-operative 11, DUP 5, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 3, UUP 3, Independent 2, Independent Conservative 1, Independent Ulster Unionist 1.