Oral Answers to Questions

Peter Heaton-Jones Excerpts

Tuesday 26th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Peter Heaton-Jones (North Devon) (Con)]

12. What his policy is on global ocean conservation.

[The Minister for Europe and the Americas (Sir Alan Duncan)]

Last Friday, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary announced that he personally will lead on drawing up an international oceans strategy for the Government. Our ambitious Blue Belt programme is protecting waters around the overseas territories and we are championing the establishment of science-based marine protected areas across the Southern ocean, including in the Weddell sea.

[Peter Heaton-Jones]

Global ocean conservation must begin at home, so will the Minister join me in welcoming many local initiatives around the coastline of Britain, which are playing such a vital role—particularly, I am bound to say, around the beautiful coastline of North Devon?

[Sir Alan Duncan]

We all commend the efforts of local communities. Growing awareness and subsequent personal choices and actions are crucial for preserving the marine environment, and we all need to assess our own habits as consumers and play our part in safeguarding our oceans.