← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Protection of Seals
27 June 2023
Lead MP
Sarah Olney
Richmond Park
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Not recorded
Tags
Culture, Media & Sport
Word Count: 3370
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Sarah Olney raised concerns about protection of seals in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
Key Requests to Government:
I urge the Government to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to include intentional or reckless disturbance of seals as an offence, aligning legislation with Northern Ireland and Scotland. Additionally, I hope for legislative progress to ensure better protections against human disturbances that harm seal populations.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the welfare and protection of seals in England and Wales, particularly after the death of a seal pup named Freddie Mercury due to human negligence. In addition to an incident where a BASE jumper caused distress to a group of seals in north Wales, there are ongoing issues with badly managed tourism and inappropriate individual behaviour that threaten the well-being of seal colonies. According to data from the Seal Research Trust, 68% of human presence near seals results in disturbance.
Duncan Baker
Con
Orpington
He supported the hon. Lady's efforts and highlighted the large seal colonies in North Norfolk, noting 3,000 pups born annually off Blakeney Point, and suggested that byelaws introduced by the Marine Management Organisation could help to stop seal disturbances.
George Eustice
Con
Camborne and Redruth
He congratulated the hon. Lady on securing the debate and highlighted the work of the Seal Research Trust in Cornwall, suggesting that marine agencies should be obligated to consider seals when designating byelaws. I am conscious we are potentially close to a Division, so the Minister will want to wind up soon. He is right that there is a comprehensive set of legislation dealing with injuring, killing or taking a seal. However, on disturbance, there may be a gap and allowing inshore fisheries and conservation authorities the power to introduce certain byelaws could make a big difference.
Robin Millar
PC
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
He thanked the hon. Lady for securing the debate and expressed gratitude towards the North Wales Wildlife Trust and volunteers who look after seal colonies in his constituency, highlighting the need to balance public education with seal protection.
Tracey Crouch
Con
Chatham and Aylesford
She thanked her right hon. Friend the Member for Camborne and Redruth for supporting the Seals (Protection) Bill, which she introduced in February 2022, arguing that it is necessary to amend existing legislation to protect seals from intentional or reckless disturbance. I am listening to the Minister with great interest. It is undeniable that the Minister and the Department are doing what they can to enhance the protection of seals, particularly through measures in the fishing industry. However, campaigners still feel that not enough is being done to stop the intentional harassment of seals.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.