Draft Marine Licensing (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment etc.) Order 2026

Tessa Munt Excerpts

Tuesday 9th June 2026 General Committees

[Tessa Munt (Wells and Mendip Hills) (LD)]

It is a pleasure to serve with you as Chair, Sir John. The Liberal Democrats support the implementation of the biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction agreement, and welcome the draft order, which enables the United Kingdom to meet its international obligations under the global oceans treaty. We have long campaigned for stronger protection of the marine environment and support international action to conserve biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the global goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

We note that the statutory instrument introduces a number of licensing exemptions for activities that the Government consider to pose a low environmental risk. While we recognise the need for a proportionate and workable regulatory framework, it will be important that these exemptions are kept under review and do not undermine effective environmental oversight as activity in areas beyond national jurisdiction develops over time. While we support the implementation of this treaty and this statutory instrument, we remain clear that the Government must ensure the new licensing exemptions do not become loopholes and that regulators are properly resourced to enforce the agreement effectively.