House of Commons · General Debate
05 June 2025 · 8 other contributors
Opened by Toby Perkins Lab Chesterfield
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Toby Perkins raised concerns about governing the marine environment 2025-06-05 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The Environmental Audit Committee’s report on “Governing the Marine Environment” highlights critical issues such as bottom trawling, outdated marine policy statements, and the need to ratify the UN high seas treaty. The committee urges the government to take action before World Ocean Day and the United Nations ocean conference.
Congratulates the Select Committee for its report, focusing on marine conservation and protection. He highlights the need for the UK to use its global soft power to put pressure on countries like Japan, Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands to stop hunting and killing whales and dolphins.
Agrees with the Select Committee's recommendation for banning destructive practices such as bottom trawling in marine protected areas. Urges the government to take action at next week’s UN ocean conference.
Highlights that while the UK Government have committed to not allowing any new oil and gas licences, the marine spatial plan still prioritises oil and gas production. Urges for an urgent update of this strategy.
Thanks Toby Perkins for conducting the inquiry and presenting the report to the House. Points out that the BBNJ treaty was laid on the Table of the House on 16 October 2023, and there is no statutory objection to tabling it at the United Nations ocean conference next week.
Raises concern about the commitment of fishermen and fisherwomen to stop bottom trawling and questions what is being done to ensure that other European countries have the same vision. He thanks the Chair for mentioning bottom trawling.
Responds positively to Jim Shannon's point, noting the devolved element of stopping bottom trawling and the need for consistency across the UK and Europe. The Committee looked at this issue in detail and heard from experts.
Questions whether deep-sea mining can be taken up at next week’s conference to secure cooperation on studying the bottom of oceans before permanent damage is done. Refers to Donald Trump's directive allowing deep-sea mining.
Acknowledges Clive Efford's concern and confirms that the committee commented on deep-sea mining in marine protected areas. Emphasises the need for better data and information globally to prevent further degradation of ocean ecosystems.