Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Maritime Coastguard Agency Safety Breaches 2024-10-10

2024-10-10

View full transcript on Parliament.uk -->
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
▸ Context
Discussions are ongoing regarding maritime safety breaches outside territorial waters but within the exclusive economic zone. This issue was previously discussed during a Westminster Hall debate on maritime safety last April.
What discussions has she had with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on maritime safety breaches which occur outside UK territorial waters but within the exclusive economic zone?
Mike Kane
The Secretary of State has met the chief executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and this matter was discussed. The MCA will continue to monitor this important issue, as well as follow up on the actions already taken since the Westminster Hall debate on maritime safety last April.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific details about discussions or concrete actions taken regarding maritime safety breaches in the exclusive economic zone.
Follow Up On The Actions Already Taken Since The Westminster Hall Debate
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
▸ Context
Trawlers from Orkney and Shetland, such as the Alison Kay and Defiant, have faced attacks in recent years. The questioner asks about practical steps to address these issues.
If we continue to see this as a matter of legality, nothing will ever change, and certainly not in any decent timeframe. We have to focus on what we can do practically to end the sort of attacks that trawlers from Shetland, such as the Alison Kay and Defiant, have been subject to in recent years. Will the Minister look at the experience of authorities in Ireland, who have managed to tackle the reckless conduct of trawlers like the Pesorsa Dos and keep their fishermen safe?
Mike Kane
I will undertake to look at the authorities in Ireland. I had a recent visit to the Orkney Islands in the right hon. Member's constituency. I would wish to catch up with him about that and I am happy to meet him to discuss this matter further.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The Minister avoided addressing practical measures or examining Irish authorities' practices directly.
Will Undertake To Look At The Authorities In Ireland I Had A Recent Visit To The Orkney Islands
Response accuracy