WESTMINSTER ATTEMPTING TO BEACH DEVOLUTION OF MARINE POWERS

WESTMINSTER ATTEMPTING TO BEACH DEVOLUTION OF MARINE POWERS

LABOUR FAILING TO MEET CALMAN PROPOSALS

SNP MSP and Convener of the Rural Affairs Committee Maureen Watt has expressed disappointment at a letter from the UK Environment Secretary Hillary Benn where he rules out the transfer of the necessary powers for conservation powers at sea to the Scottish Parliament. This is in the face of the Calman Commissions saying those powers should be devolved and despite the fact that the marine bills currently going through Westminster and Holyrood make this the ideal time to do so.

Ms Watt had written to the UK Government urging them to include devolution of marine conservation in a UK Marine bill currently in the House of Commons. As well as Sir Kenneth Calman saying his Commission’s recommendations could be “implemented quickly” it has also been supported by Scottish Environment LINK who said there was a "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.

Commenting Ms Watt said:

"Devolution of marine conservation is not only commonsense it is timely and is supported both by Calman and by the environment NGO's.

"Despite Calman's recommendations and the support of marine organisations the UK Government seem determined to kick this, as with all Calman's proposals, into long grass.

"There is currently a prime opportunity, with marine legislation going through both parliament's to transfer responsibility to Holyrood and allow the Scottish Government to cut through the layers of legislation and set the guidelines for all aspects of Scotland's seas.

"I hope that through discussions with the Scottish Government, and with pressure from NGOs the UK can be made to change their mind before it is too late to be included in the current marine bill.

"Tavish Scott has complained that Calman's proposals are going no where, if he wants to see progress I would urge the LibDems to support me in seeking a debate on the transfer of marine conservation powers and putting the pressure on the UK Government to take action now.

"The Scottish and UK Government's have worked well together on marine powers. Transferring conservation powers would be a sign of that co-operation working."