NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE
UK BUDGET CUTS: DfT URGED TO SECURE MARITIME SAFETY
The Celtic League have written to the United Kingdom Department for Transportstressing that any cuts as part of the current overall financial review should not prejudice marine safety.
Following environmental disasters in Scotland Wales and Brittany the Celtic League campaigned many years ago for Emergency Towing Vessels (ETVs) to be located at strategic points around the UK.
In a letter to Minister Phillip Hammond the League stress there should be no diminution in the number of ETVs (see below):
“The Rt Hon Phillip Hammond MP
Secretary of State for Transport
Department for Transport
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR
02/10/10
Dear Minister,
Ref: Maritime and Coastguard Agency – Emergency Towing Vessels (ETVs)
I understand that at the present time the United Kingdom Government is carrying out an overall review of public spending and that all Government departments, including your own, have been asked to look at possible cuts.
This letter is to stress to you and the UK government how imperative it is that
no cuts are made in the provision of ETVs at strategic points around UK coasts.
The Celtic League was prominently involved in campaigning almost fifteen years ago for the provision of additional safety measures to protect the Marine environment.
At its Annual General Meeting in Plomeur, Brittany in 1996, the Celtic League concerned following a series of oil tanker disasters around the British Isles adopted a resolution calling for urgent action.
At subsequent AGMs held in the Isle of Man the Celtic League pressed the case for specific measures saying that:
`Coastal communities need the protection of;
1) the enforcement of double hulling for all tankers.
2) The siting of strategic towing and anti-pollution equipment at danger points.
3) The strict control and where possible diversion of tankers from narrow channels or choke-points.
4) The introduction with immediate effect of port checks and controls on all suspected tankers, specifically those vessels with single hulls.
5) Urgent EU action with the IMO to address the certification, training and qualification of officers and crews on all vessels carrying hazardous cargoes both especially oil and gas tankers.’
We believe that the four ETVs currently available around the UK are the absolute minimum needed to ensure a degree of security in relation to emergency situations with vessels (such as oil tankers) carrying hazardous cargoes.
I would welcome your assurance that this degree of cover will be maintained.
Yours sincerely,
J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Related links on celtic News here:
https://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/502
https://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/981
https://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/1899
J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League
02/10/10
The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a
broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on
socio-economic issues.
TEL (UK)01624 877918 MOBILE (UK)07624 491609
Internet site at:
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