Marine Bill is Missing Again - Huhne

12.00.00am GMT Tue 6th Nov 2007

Commenting on the lack of a Marine Bill in today's Queen's Speech, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defra Secretary, Chris Huhne MP said:

"I am bitterly disappointed that there is no commitment to the Marine Bill in the Queen's Speech. The Government has introduced plenty of unnecessary bills in the last 10 years, but this is an area where we urgently need legislation to protect the threatened marine environment around our shores.

"At present, there is an uncoordinated mess of conflicting interests and the victims are marine eco-systems and the livelihoods that depend on them."

"It is important to have a clear authority to reconcile fishery, tourism, conservation, exploration and renewable energy interests. These competing demands need to be managed rather than constantly conflicting with each other."

"The main obstacle to this Bill seems to be Gordon Brown's reluctance to devolve power to the Scottish Parliament. At present, Holyrood is responsible for the area from the coast to twelve miles, while the UK parliament has reserved the sea from 12 to 200 miles. This is another example of Mr Brown failing to let go of power."