Deep Sea Mining in International Waters

Debate between Baroness Coffey and Lord Collins of Highbury

Monday 30th June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for his question. I do think that we are working on a cross-party basis. These are long-term issues about the protection of the environment and of ecosystems that we know very little about and on which we might rely. The noble Lord is absolutely right, and I am confident that the noble Lords opposite agree.

[Baroness Coffey (Con)]

My Lords, I welcome the Government’s ongoing position. To be candid, I made this announcement on behalf of the previous Government two years ago. It is important to understand that many countries around the world, including Commonwealth countries, are concerned that other people are trying to dictate policy on their behalf. Will the Minister look to make sure that the science network that has been developed continues to help our Commonwealth and interacts with the extensive US network that is also working on this?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

I wholeheartedly agree with the noble Baroness, and that is exactly what we have been doing. In my recent discussions with new Secretary-General Botchwey, we have been making exactly that point.