Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill

Sarah Champion Excerpts

Monday 17th November 2025 Commons Chamber

The Government sought the consent of the Crown dependencies for that permissive extent clause to apply to them, enabling the extension of the Bill to those jurisdictions in the future. As the Isle of Man consented to its inclusion in the permissive extent clause, the Government tabled amendment 3 in Committee to insert that into the Bill.

[Sarah Champion (Rotherham) (Lab)]

I welcome this Bill. As chair of the Channel Islands all-party group, I was interested that the Minister tabled an amendment that covered just the Isle of Man. Before the Bill goes to the other place, could her officials please consult the Channel Islands one last time to make sure that they do not also need to be included in the Bill?

[Seema Malhotra]

I thank my hon. Friend for her comments, and yes we will continue those conversations with the Channel Islands.

To conclude, provisions in the Bill would be extended only to British overseas territories and the Isle of Man with their agreement. Clause 25 sets out when most of the Bill’s provisions come into force, and gives the Secretary of State power to make regulations to appoint entry into force and dates for other provisions. In summary, the Bill provides the legal foundation for the United Kingdom’s participation in the new global regime for protecting biodiversity on the high seas. It will enable us to fulfil our international commitments, provide certainty to our scientific and research communities, and demonstrate once again the UK’s leadership in marine conservation. I commend the Bill to the Committee, and look forward to engaging with hon. Members during the debate.