EXPLORATORY DRILLING FOR OIL AND GAS IN CARDIGAN BAY

That this House is concerned that applications are being considered to carry out exploratory oil and gas drilling in Cardigan Bay as part of the 24th licensing round; notes that part of the affected area has been designated as a special area of conservation under the Habitats Directive; further notes the importance of preserving the habitats of the porpoise and dolphin populations of the area; and calls on the Government to exclude special areas of conservation from this and future licensing rounds.