Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
|Home
Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
This website has been partly paid for from the funds made available to every MP to assist them in communicating with and representing their constituents.
Printed and hosted by Pipex Communications UK Ltd, Humber Buildings, Humber Rd, Beeston, Notts, NG9 2ET. Published and promoted by Norman Baker MP, House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 1AA. The views expressed are those of Norman Baker, not of the service provider.
Baker scales up pressure for Marine Bill
Local MP, Norman Baker has shown his support for The Wildlife Trusts' call for a Marine Bill in the next Queen’s Speech by signing their 'Petition Fish' at the House of Commons.
The 'Petition Fish' are an innovative way of gathering petition signatures. The fish are large, brightly coloured, plastic cut-outs, representing four charismatic or endangered UK fish - cod, triggerfish, wrasse and plaice. To support the petition, you sign a silver or gold self-adhesive scale and attach it to the fish.
The current White Paper establishes the basis for a Marine Bill by setting out proposals for new measures to manage human activities at sea and protect marine habitats and wildlife. These include:
- A new system of marine planning;
- A more efficient and transparent system for licensing marine activities;
- A Marine Management Organisation with wide-ranging functions;
- New mechanisms for conserving marine wildlife;
- Modernised inshore fisheries management.
Commenting on the campaign, Norman said:
"We urgently need a Marine Bill. At present less than 0.001% of our seas are protected by law. As an island nation, we have a responsibility to care for our seas and protect the wildlife that lives there, from dolphins to corals and starfish.
"I will do what I can to keep up the pressure on the Government for a Marine Bill to be included in the Queen's Speech this autumn and I have written to Gordon Brown urging him to include a Marine Bill in his first legislative programme as Prime Minister. I will also be gathering signatures from my constituents with my own 'Petition Fish' throughout the summer months."
Stephanie Hilborne, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts, added:
"I am delighted that Norman has shown his support for the Marine Bill in this way. Like climate change, the destruction of marine wildlife is an urgent global issue and the UK Government must take a lead by protecting our own seas.
"We cannot delay marine legislation any longer - the urgency to protect marine biodiversity is unquestionable and the 2007 Queen's Speech must include a commitment to a Marine Bill in the next parliamentary session. The Wildlife Trusts' 'Petition Fish' is one way to keep the Marine Bill in the public eye and make sure it gets onto the statute book."