Oral Answers to Questions

Ross Thomson Excerpts
Thursday 25th July 2019

(4 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Ross Thomson Portrait Ross Thomson (Aberdeen South) (Con)
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A year ago, Lewis Pugh was completing his long swim along the length of the English channel, from Land’s End to Dover. That incredible feat highlighted the need for full protection of our seas. What plans does the Minister have to expand the number of areas of UK waters under full marine protection?

Thérèse Coffey Portrait Dr Thérèse Coffey
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Lewis Pugh was one of our “Year of Green Action” ambassadors and I am delighted that he continues to raise awareness of this issue. My hon. Friend will be aware of the 41 new marine conservation zones that we have designated. It would really help if the Scottish Government could also start designating more marine conservation zones, so that together as a United Kingdom we would have more than 30% of our areas protected. I wish my right hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon) well with his highly protected marine areas review.