Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Blue Belt Programme

Tuesday 30 April 2024 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The blue belt programme supports the protection and sustainable management of 4.3 million sq km of ocean around Britain's overseas territories.
  • The UK Government is considering strengthening the UN global plastics treaty in upcoming negotiations.
  • The UK is a founding member of the high ambition coalition to end plastic pollution by 2040.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Environment
Context

The MP inquired about the effectiveness of the blue belt programme in protecting marine environments.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the impact of the blue belt programme on ocean health?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The blue belt programme supports the protection and sustainable management of 4.3 million sq km of ocean around Britain's overseas territories.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No recent assessment or specific data provided on impact.

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Q2 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Environment
Context

The MP raised concerns about plastic pollution in oceans, citing the blue belt programme's success.

Question

Will the Government consider strengthening the UN global plastics treaty in the upcoming negotiations?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and it is at the centre of negotiations by the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton Deane (Rebecca Pow), in Ottawa last week.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to strengthening treaty specifically; mentioned ongoing discussions instead.

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Q3 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Foreign Affairs Environment
Context

The MP visited St Helena and highlighted the importance of enhancing biodiversity in UK's overseas territories.

Question

What more help are the British Government giving to the overseas territories Governments to ensure that their biodiversity can be enhanced and maintained?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The UK is a founding member of the high ambition coalition to end plastic pollution, which aims to stop plastic flowing into the environment by 2040. The overseas territories are not suppliers but receivers of much of it, highlighting the importance of this initiative.

Not addressed: Did not address support for biodiversity maintenance; discussed plastic pollution efforts instead.

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Q4 James Gray Con
Context

The MP questioned about regular interdepartmental meetings to discuss the blue belt programme in relation to the Arctic and Antarctic.

Question

Has a Minister made an assessment of how the blue belt programme can work properly if all Ministers responsible for the Arctic meet regularly?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

My hon. Friend makes an important point, and I am advised that the meeting is, I think, today.

Answered
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Q5 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Foreign Affairs Environment
Context

The MP expressed constituent concerns over UK's ratification delay for the global ocean treaty, seeking an assessment on its compatibility with the blue belt programme.

Question

Has a Minister made an assessment of how the UK's delay in ratifying the global ocean treaty could limit human activity in sanctuary areas and impact overseas territories' water protection?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The Government are extremely well joined up on that matter, with DEFRA Minister working closely with the Foreign Office. The hon. Lady can reassure her constituents that this matter is very much in hand.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific assessment or commitment provided; mentioned coordination efforts instead.

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