Category: Other issues

My Oral Question on By-catch

Published on by jonesjb

Today I asked HMG when they intend to publish the Bycatch Risk Prioritisation Framework

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Baroness Hayman of Ullock) replied for HMG: A report on the bycatch risk prioritisation framework will be published by the end of the year. The framework will identify where we expect bycatch risks to be greatest across the UK. This will help us to target monitoring and mitigation efforts on the species, areas, fishing gears and fisheries that need the most attention. The report will provide a snapshot of current understanding, while the framework will be updated over time.

My follow up question:

I thank the Minister for her Answer. At the moment, every year, fishing boats are catching—this is an underestimate because not all boats are monitored—at least 10,000 seabirds, 1,000 cetaceans such as harbour porpoises, common dolphins, humpback whales and minke whales, and around 500 seals. That is absolutely appalling. Will the Minister take that back to this new Government, who want to do the right thing? When will the Government publish bycatch action plans for seabirds, cetaceans, seals and protected fish species? When will the Government require remote electronic monitoring on all fishing boats in UK waters, including those under 10 metres in length?

Hansard record here

Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill Second Reading

Published on by jonesjb

I welcome the Government’s attempt to strengthen airline passengers’ rights, especially with the worries about aviation fuel due to Israel and Trump launching a disastrous and illegal war on Iran. I am happy to support the Civil Aviation Authority being given additional enforcement powers to ensure that airlines comply with consumer laws. However, I am not so keen on legislation that makes it easier to expand airports, especially if that increases noise and pollution for people living in the immediate area or along the flight path. It is extremely bad for human health and well-being.

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Climate Change: Government Action

Published on by jonesjb

My Lords, the King’s Speech did mention climate change. He said that his Government would be a “leading advocate” in the fight against climate change, yet there is not a single policy specifically about nature or the environment in the whole speech, in the whole government agenda. Given that and given that nature and the environment underpin our economic security, our food security and our productivity, when are the Government going to take this whole issue seriously and produce some policies where nature is supported?

Lord Whitehead replied for HMG:

The noble Baroness will know what the Government have been doing to take on the recent environment and nature plan. That is now at the heart of the clean power 2030 drive to ensure that our power systems are compatible with and supportive of nature and the environment rather than destructive of them. That is a commitment that the Government have. While it is true that this King’s Speech has not put forward specific measures relating to this, it is nevertheless interwoven in everything that the Government are doing as far as climate change and low carbon are concerned.

Climate Change: Government Action – Hansard – UK Parliament