Marine Biological Diversity Agreement 2025-05-13
2025-05-13
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK has led world-class conservation efforts and committed to the landmark high seas treaty. However, without ratification, the UK risks losing its place in shaping this vital treaty's implementation and future direction.
What progress has been made on ratifying the agreement under the United Nations convention on the law of the sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction? Can the Minister confirm when legislation to ratify the agreement will be introduced, or provide a clear timetable?
Primary legislation is required to give effect to our obligations under the agreement. Legislation to implement the agreement will be introduced as soon as the legislative timetable allows.
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Assessment & feedback
Providing a specific timetable or date for introducing the legislation
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK is a world leader in protecting marine environments, particularly around the British Overseas Territories. The shadow Minister questions if the proposed treaty will have any guaranteed protections in place and asks about assurances for future protections of an important marine protected area.
Will the proposed treaty have any guaranteed protections in place? Will she confirm what was said in a legal letter to British Chagossians—that their right of return is not guaranteed?
Following the trip that was undertaken together when both were on the Foreign Affairs Committee, it is assured that the marine protected area will continue. The environment has been at the heart of negotiations. Indeed, he must remember that as a chair of the Chagos Islands all-party parliamentary group, he began the debate with the Mauritians.
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Assessment & feedback
Providing clear confirmations about future protections and legal guarantees for British Chagossians' right of return
Response accuracy