Marine protection
Marine protection news from UK Parliament.
Are MPAs fit for purpose, and how can we better plan our oceans and seas to protect precious habitats?
Government ministers will answer questions from the Environmental Audit Committee on how the UK uses its seas and oceans amid rising demand from industries spanning activities from renewable energy to fishing, and Government commitments to designate 30% of the UK’s waters as protected areas by 2030.
28 March 2025
Defra Minister to face MPs’ questions on farming, profitability and fairness in supply chains, and fisheries
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner MP, will appear before the EFRA Select Committee, to face MPs’ questions on their thematic inquiries on the future of farming, fairness in the food supply chain, and fisheries and the marine environment.
27 March 2025
EAC to quiz Environment Secretary “at a crucial time to seek some reassurance”
At a time of heightened speculation regarding the Government’s commitment to nature and the environment, the Environment Secretary will next week face the Environmental Audit Committee.
20 March 2025
Four short debates in the Lords
Railway operators, national youth strategy, the display and retention of human body parts and biodiversity in the spotlight. Catch up
14 March 2025
EFRA Committee publishes strategy to guide its work
The EFRA Committee today publishes a document which details its strategic principles and the policy priorities that will underpin its work over the course of this Parliament.
11 March 2025
“More questions than answers”: EAC publishes Government response on decarbonising shipping
Government Response: Net zero and UK shipping
13 February 2025
Fisheries and the marine environment: EFRA launches its next thematic inquiry
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is today launching the next of its thematic inquiries, on fisheries and the marine environment.
23 January 2025
Comment: Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) ‘Progress in improving the natural environment in England 2023-24’
Reacting to the OEP’s latest progress report, Environmental Audit Committee Chair, Toby Perkins MP, said:
16 January 2025
Ministers to give evidence on British science in Antarctica
British scientists and researchers have been active in Antarctica for over a century: but what is their role in the region, and how is their work deepening our knowledge of climate change?
05 December 2024
How can we spur private investment to meet 30x30 nature recovery obligations?
The Government is committed to preserving 30% of land and sea in England by 2030. At the end of October 2024, the Government stated that just 7% of land is currently protected for nature. With just over five years to go, can private investment spur nature protection schemes that will see the pledge become reality?
29 November 2024
Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee launch survey to canvas views of stakeholders
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has today launched an online survey that asks stakeholders to contribute their views on the issues they think the Committee should prioritise in 2025.
08 November 2024
Lords debates impact of climate policies
Government's environmental and growth strategy considered by members. Catch up
25 October 2024
Crown Estate Bill debated in the Lords
Members discuss developing offshore wind farms in partnership with Great British Energy. Catch up
03 September 2024
Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill begins detailed scrutiny in the Lords
Lords discuss banning flaring and venting for new offshore installations during line by line scrutiny of the bill. Catch up
24 April 2024
MPs to hold a debate on the ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty
MPs to hold a debate on the ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty
22 April 2024