Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Exclusive Economic Zone: Maritime Safety

17 April 2024 · 1 other contributor · 3,835 words

Opened by Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

Responding minister: Guy Opperman

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about exclusive economic zone: maritime safety in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The incident on June 11, 2020, involving the Alison Kay fishing boat and a Spanish-owned German-registered vessel highlights reckless behaviour 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 on these incidents has been forwarded to the French authorities but no response has been received since October.

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.

Opened the debate

Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

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.

Other contributors (1)
  • 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

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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