SHIP TO SHIP OIL TRANSFER IN THE FIRTH OF FORTH

That this House is extremely concerned at the decision by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to approve the oil spill contingency plan in the Firth of Forth; believes that due to the ecologically sensitive nature of the Forth, plans for ship to ship oil transfer should not be granted approval; notes that complaints have been lodged with the European Commission, which is investigating the legality of the ship to ship oil plan; notes that a major spillage would kill wildlife, pollute beaches and damage tourism; recognises that the plan has provoked widespread condemnation from local communities, including local authorities, environmental groups and parliamentarians; further notes the absence of a coherent regulatory framework for ship to ship oil transfer in the Forth; calls on the Government as a matter of urgency to ensure that ship to ship transfers of oil in the Firth of Forth are subject to an open and accountable consenting regime and a coherent regulatory framework which both comply with the Habitats Directive; and further calls for a strategic assessment of the national need for this activity and how it can be delivered without damage to communities and the environment.