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Marine and Coastal Access Bill [HL]

The noble Lord must not underestimate the progress made thus far. The network that we are establishing, which will include the marine conservation zones, will establish a network with all European sites. The objective of the network set out in Clause 119(2) ensures that the zones taken together with the European marine sites form a network. We have a framework within which these negotiations occur. We have a directive that enjoins on states the necessity of making progress in this area, which we are doing. I admit that 2012 is some distance away, but the reform of something as substantial as the common fisheries policy is not done at the flick of a switch. The noble Lord will recognise that that objective gives us time to do the revision against the background of necessary changes to the common fisheries policy as well. I am indicating to the Committee that it should not be surprising that the UK is taking a progressive lead on these matters, as we are with regard to marine conservation, but we are doing it with the grain of changed European opinion and the acceptance of the desirability of making progress well outside United Kingdom waters. Within that framework, we are working with the grain of opinion in Europe, necessitating change in the common fisheries policy, and with the recognition that others will be jointly expected to do what we are doing. All I am able to add at this stage is the recognition of the point that has been made so forcefully tonight: the Government must not lightly take on as part of this policy decisions that would disadvantage British fishermen and the British fleet against other European fleets. I am indicating that of course the Government are fully charged of the importance of that statement, which has been made all around the Committee this evening.