John Austin

Labour Party | Erith and Thamesmead

Bring back living seas

21 January 2010

John Austin MP (Erith & Thamesmead) has pledged to help bring back Living Seas around our coast. He was supporting The Wildlife Trusts as they launched a document in the House of Commons entitled Living Seas, which sets out their vision for the future.

John Austin MP said 'I am delighted to support The Wildlife Trusts' vision of Living Seas. It is vital that we return our sea to health, not only for the sake of the UK's fantastic marine life, but also for the future of our own quality of life. In the last parliamentary session, I was proud to support the passage of the Marine and Coastal Access Act through Parliament, which fired the starting pistol for politicians to make Living Seas happen.

John Austin MP continued: 'Whilst at the event, I met representatives from London Wildlife Trust and agreed to support The Wildlife Trusts in this important work by signing an Early Day Motion which puts pressure on the Government to implement the Marine and Coastal Access Act promptly. I also want to work with the London Wildlife Trust by becoming an ambassador for their work in nature conservation in London. Here in Erith & Thamesmead we have many important natural areas and amazing biodiversity which needs to be protected and enhanced. I am particularly supportive of LWT's efforts on Thames Water's land in Thamesmead and on the Erith and Crayford marshes”.

Professor Aubrey Manning OBE, president of The Wildlife Trusts, said: 'We very much welcome the support we have had from parliamentarians for the Marine and Coastal Access Act. Now it is time to take this further. We need an effective and well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas by 2012 which will help us, The Wildlife Trusts, and our partners and supporters, to achieve Living Seas, and within a generation.'