CALL FOR DEBATE OVER MARINE POWERS.

CALL FOR DEBATE OVER MARINE POWERS.

"UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY" TO TRANSFER CONSERVATION RESPONSIBILITY,

SNP MSP and Convener of the Rural Affairs Committee Maureen Watt has called for Parliament to debate the devolution of marine conservation policy to Holyrood as part of the current Marine Bill. Ms Watt has also written to the UK Government urging them to include devolution of marine conservation in a UK Marine bill currently in the House of Commons.

The call follows recommendations from the Calman Commission that marine nature conservation should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament "at the earliest possible opportunity".

Scottish Environment LINK has called on the UK Government to use the "unique opportunity" provided by UK and Scottish marine legislation to see marine conservation policy devolved immediately.

The timing of the two bills creates the perfect opportunity to devolve marine powers, without requiring further legislation.

Ms Watt has now lodged a motion for debate in the Scottish Parliament and is urging members from all parties to support it.

Commenting Ms Watt said:

“Devolving responsibility for marine conservation to Holyrood makes clear sense, given that the Scottish Parliament is already responsible for so many other aspects of what goes on in the waters off our coast.

"The two bills currently in progress, one in Scotland and one in Westminster offer a prime opportunity for the UK Government to clear up this anomaly within months. This really is a unique opportunity and I hope MSPs from all political parties will be able to see the strength of this argument and support a debate to drive this issue forwards.

"The Scottish and UK Governments have agreed to devolve marine planning without the need for steering groups or Commissions. We should now see the same swift action taken to devolve marine conservation.

"The Calman Commission called for devolution as soon as possible and Scottish Environment LINK have added their voice to that call. If the UK Government wish to see the best legislation in place to protect our marine environment and to simplify the system there can be no argument against devolving powers as soon as possible."

"I remain hopeful that Hilary Benn will accept the wisdom of the argument being made by Scottish Environment LINK, but I believe that having MSPs from all parties on board would only strengthen the case being made.”