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Marine and Coastal Access Bill [HL]

There are two amendments in this group. Amendment A162, on behalf of my noble friend, is as set out: the Bill, in setting up the network of MCZs, should set out that it includes, ""the duty under EU law"," in the marine strategy framework directive. The issue is fairly straightforward, and I am not terribly expert on it, so I will simply leave it there and listen with interest to the Minister before reporting back to my noble friend. Amendment A163, which is in this group, proposes that it should also require, ""any further steps which, in the opinion of the authority"," that is, the appropriate national authority, ""are necessary to comply with obligations under EU or international law"." Clause 120(1) requires the appropriate authority to, ""lay before the appropriate legislature"," which may be here, or in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, a report on the implementation of Clause 119(2): namely, to report on any, ""MCZs designated under section 113 and any European marine sites"." However, under EU law, with the marine strategy framework directive and the legal obligation to deliver good environmental status through the UK marine area by 2020, and under international law such as the OSPAR commitment, it is clearly essential that the report required by Clause 120(1) includes a specific requirement to report upon actions by the appropriate authority to deliver on all its EU and international legal obligations. We believe this to be the appropriate place for this amendment. I beg to move.