To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Written Question
Marine Protected Areas: Seabed
Thursday 4th December 2025

Asked by: Daniel Zeichner (Labour - Cambridge)

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if her department will conduct a full benthic audit of seabed habitats in the 41 Stage 3 Marine Protected Areas before designating new fisheries management measures.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Drawing on the best scientific advice available, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has determined that management of fishing activities is required to protect our Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and to ensure compliance with our domestic and international legal obligations.

As part of the consultation on proposed byelaws for stage 3 MPAs, fisheries assessments were published for each site based on scientific advice from Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and using evidence on the impacts of fishing gears on protected seabed habitats. This was supplemented by a call for evidence earlier in the process.

The consultation closed on 29 September and the MMO is now analysing the very large number of responses received, including any additional evidence on benthic habitats.

Scheduled Event - 3 Dec 2025, 2:30 p.m. - Add to calendar
View Source
Commons - Westminster Hall debate - Westminster Hall
Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor
MP: Daniel Zeichner
Division Vote (Commons)
3 Dec 2025 - Pension Schemes Bill - View Vote Context
Daniel Zeichner (Lab) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 296 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 154 Noes - 303
Division Vote (Commons)
3 Dec 2025 - Pension Schemes Bill - View Vote Context
Daniel Zeichner (Lab) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 291 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 77 Noes - 298
Division Vote (Commons)
3 Dec 2025 - Pension Schemes Bill - View Vote Context
Daniel Zeichner (Lab) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 294 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 87 Noes - 299
Division Vote (Commons)
3 Dec 2025 - Pension Schemes Bill - View Vote Context
Daniel Zeichner (Lab) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 295 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 143 Noes - 304
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 03 Dec 2025
Ely: Railway Upgrade

"The hon. Member is making an important speech, and I strongly support what she is doing. Would she agree with me that the enthusiasm for East West Rail now makes the case for doing the works on Ely junction even stronger?..."
Daniel Zeichner - View Speech

View all Daniel Zeichner (Lab - Cambridge) contributions to the debate on: Ely: Railway Upgrade
Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 03 Dec 2025
Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor

"I beg to move,

That this House has considered the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor.

It is, as ever, a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Sir Jeremy. It is also a pleasure to lead a debate on plans that have been talked about for many years and …..."
Daniel Zeichner - View Speech

View all Daniel Zeichner (Lab - Cambridge) contributions to the debate on: Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor
Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 03 Dec 2025
Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor

"I was expecting an intervention from the hon. Gentleman because we have discussed this issue before. I absolutely disagree with him, not on some of the points of detail, but on the benefits that railways bring. This is absolutely the right approach, although we can argue about the details. There …..."
Daniel Zeichner - View Speech

View all Daniel Zeichner (Lab - Cambridge) contributions to the debate on: Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor
Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 03 Dec 2025
Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor

"Absolutely, although I am puzzled as to the relationship between Ox-Cam and Northern Ireland...."
Daniel Zeichner - View Speech

View all Daniel Zeichner (Lab - Cambridge) contributions to the debate on: Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor