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Exclusive Economic Zone: Maritime Safety
17 April 2024
Lead MP
Alistair Carmichael
Orkney and Shetland
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Guy Opperman
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Word Count: 3835
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about exclusive economic zone: maritime safety in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Minister should raise these incidents at diplomatic or ministerial levels, ensuring prosecuting authorities understand our concern. I ask for a streamlined process of reporting with an individual designated within the MCA to receive reports, and for better co-operation between agencies responsible for fisheries management issues and fishery protection.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The incident on June 11, 2020, involving the Alison Kay fishing boat and a Spanish-owned German-registered vessel, highlights reckless behaviour by fishermen that could lead to injury or death. A similar incident in October 2023 involved a Lerwick-registered whitefish boat and a French-registered longliner, with the latter deliberately altering course towards collision. The MCA's report was forwarded to the French authorities but no response has been received since October. There is a need for better co-operation between agencies like the MCA and Scotland's Marine Directorate.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Representing Strangford, Jim Shannon emphasised the importance of enforcing safety measures rigorously on all fishing vessels in the Exclusive Economic Zone. He highlighted that the standards set apply to every vessel and called for extended powers for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Government Response
Guy Opperman
Government Response
I congratulate the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland on securing this debate, which highlights key issues concerning maritime safety in exclusive economic zones. The minister acknowledges the dangerous waters around Shetland and supports fishing as a vital sector contributing over £1 billion to the UK economy annually. He condemns serious incidents like the one involving the French-registered Antonio Maria and the Defiant off the north-east coast of Shetland, expressing concern about safety in such remote areas. The minister commits to addressing several key asks: providing sight of the letter written in October, establishing a designated person within the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for receiving reports, and ensuring closer collaboration between MCA and Marine Scotland. He also highlights the importance of working with arm's length bodies and suggests the need for long-term reforms to international maritime laws.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.