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10/10/2005
Greenpeace loses dolphins case
Greenpeace has failed in its attempt to overturn a government ban aimed at reducing dolphin deaths.
The environmental campaign group had launched legal action after Defra introduced a ban on the use of pair trawls to catch sea bass within 12 miles of the south west coast of the UK.
The ban was aimed at preventing the deaths of dolphins who can become ensnared in fishermen’s nets.
Greenpeace had argued that the ban was meaningless and would actually lead to more dolphin deaths, because it would drive fishermen into deeper waters, where there were more dolphins.
However, the government said that, since the introduction of the ban in December last year, the number of dolphin deaths had reduced from 429 in 2003/04 to around 140 in 2004/05.
Greenpeace’s claim was dismissed in full at the High Court on Monday, although the group was granted permission to appeal the decision.
The Minister for Fisheries, Ben Bradshaw, welcomed the court decision. He said: “I am delighted the court has rejected Greenpeace’s action in full. It always seemed odd to me that Greenpeace was wasting its supporters’ money trying to reverse a decision aimed at saving dolphins and porpoises. No country has done more than the UK under this government to protect small cetaceans. Greenpeace’s time, energy and resources would be better spent campaigning in those countries that don’t take this problem seriously.”
Greenpeace has argued that the government has a legal obligation, under European law, to protect whales and dolphins in the English Channel and described the 12-mile ban as a “political gesture,” which would likely lead to more dolphin deaths.
(KMcA/SP)
The environmental campaign group had launched legal action after Defra introduced a ban on the use of pair trawls to catch sea bass within 12 miles of the south west coast of the UK.
The ban was aimed at preventing the deaths of dolphins who can become ensnared in fishermen’s nets.
Greenpeace had argued that the ban was meaningless and would actually lead to more dolphin deaths, because it would drive fishermen into deeper waters, where there were more dolphins.
However, the government said that, since the introduction of the ban in December last year, the number of dolphin deaths had reduced from 429 in 2003/04 to around 140 in 2004/05.
Greenpeace’s claim was dismissed in full at the High Court on Monday, although the group was granted permission to appeal the decision.
The Minister for Fisheries, Ben Bradshaw, welcomed the court decision. He said: “I am delighted the court has rejected Greenpeace’s action in full. It always seemed odd to me that Greenpeace was wasting its supporters’ money trying to reverse a decision aimed at saving dolphins and porpoises. No country has done more than the UK under this government to protect small cetaceans. Greenpeace’s time, energy and resources would be better spent campaigning in those countries that don’t take this problem seriously.”
Greenpeace has argued that the government has a legal obligation, under European law, to protect whales and dolphins in the English Channel and described the 12-mile ban as a “political gesture,” which would likely lead to more dolphin deaths.
(KMcA/SP)
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Huge trawler nets are killing an estimated 10,000 dolphins and porpoises in the north-eastern Atlantic every year, according to a report for Greenpeace, published today.
07 June 2004
Greenpeace delivers iced dolphin to Defra in fishing protest
A dead dolphin encased in ice – a weighty two tonnes of maritime protest – was delivered to Defra's doorstep today to highlight the problems associated with pair trawler fishing; a practice which kills large numbers of dolphins in UK waters every year.
Greenpeace delivers iced dolphin to Defra in fishing protest
A dead dolphin encased in ice – a weighty two tonnes of maritime protest – was delivered to Defra's doorstep today to highlight the problems associated with pair trawler fishing; a practice which kills large numbers of dolphins in UK waters every year.
20 February 2013
BP Tanker Drivers To Strike Over Pension And Pay Dispute
Grangemouth oil refinery tanker drivers will walk out for three days next Friday in a dispute over pensions and pay. The Unite members at the Forth estuary facility, employed by BP, will also ban overtime from Monday in action the union said would hit aviation supplies and deliveries to BP forecourts across Scotland and the north east of England.
BP Tanker Drivers To Strike Over Pension And Pay Dispute
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29 November 2005
MPs set to debate smoking plans
MPs will debate government plans to introduce a partial smoking ban in England and Wales, when the legislation returns to the House of Commons for its second reading today. The Health Bill includes proposals to introduce a smoking ban in public places, but with exemptions for pubs and bars, which do not serve food and private members’ clubs.
MPs set to debate smoking plans
MPs will debate government plans to introduce a partial smoking ban in England and Wales, when the legislation returns to the House of Commons for its second reading today. The Health Bill includes proposals to introduce a smoking ban in public places, but with exemptions for pubs and bars, which do not serve food and private members’ clubs.
10 November 2004
Scottish executive backs smoking ban
The Scottish executive has today confirmed that it will seek a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places. In order to enforce the ban, pubs and restaurants that fail to enforce the law will face fines up to a maximum of £2,500.
Scottish executive backs smoking ban
The Scottish executive has today confirmed that it will seek a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places. In order to enforce the ban, pubs and restaurants that fail to enforce the law will face fines up to a maximum of £2,500.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
