Celia Barlow MP is pleased to note the Marine and Coastal Access Bill’s recent arrival in the House of Commons and the upcoming Committee stage.

The important piece of maritime and wildlife legislation, a major tenant of Labour’s election manifesto, underwent its Second Reading debate in the House of Commons on 23 June.

Celia with Environment
Secretary Hilary Benn

After spending a period of time in the House of Lords where over 1,000 amendments were debated, Ms Barlow notes that the Commons has received a much improved Bill with a number of important improvements.

These improvements provide for greater accountability and oversight on marine planning, broader historic and archaeological protection, and an increased scope of judicial enforcement and parliamentary scrutiny when environmental offences are committed.

Ms Barlow said: “Despite the lengthy process of drafting this legislation, the recent progress and shape of the Bill demonstrate to me that Parliament is committed to protecting the natural resources that are so important to this country.”

“The Marine and Coastal Access Bill has been very important to me, and in the past months of have met with a large number of constituents, written to ministers, and have supported the campaigns lead by the World Wildlife Fund, IFAW, and Natural England.”

Ms Barlow looks forward to sharing continued positive developments on the Bill in the coming months.