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Written question asked by Lord Sheikh (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 June 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 June 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 June 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Sri Lanka: Wrecks

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the environmental impact caused by the fire on the X-Press Pearl on the coast of Sri Lanka; and what support they have provided to the government of Sri Lanka.

Answer

The UK government remains concerned about the environmental impact caused by the fire on the X-Press Pearl ship. While the risk of an oil spill is now considered low, plastic pellets and other debris are affecting the shoreline. We have engaged regularly with the Sri Lankan authorities and international experts on the ground to determine how the UK can best support the response.

The UK government is providing marine pollution expertise to Sri Lanka to help respond to the potentially devastating impact on the marine life and coastal habitats of Sri Lanka. The UK will also provide expertise and analytical capacity to support plastic pollution monitoring, as well as environmental and socioeconomic impact assessments. The UK's Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science will partner with Sri Lankan Government Departments, academics and responsible authorities to support effective emergency response and implementation of a post spill integrated monitoring plan.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1180
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Development aid Environment protection Wrecks Sri Lanka
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk